LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap._.*T?C8j>jMght 

Shelf.. AV.A' 

-|^6 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



The Better Way 



— OR- 



Lessons in Trueness, Wisdom and Love. 



A BOOK OF SIMPLE HELPS 

FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 



BY W. H. WHEELER. 



-fT 



Second Edition; Revised and Enlarged, 



Remember the words ot the Lord Jesus, how He said: "Blessed are they that hungeT and thirst 
after righteousness, for they shall be filled." 

And remember that thoughts which come near enough home, are worth running over and pondering 
in many different moods. 



OFFICE OF THE BETTER WAY, 
Grinnell, Iowa. 

For Further Explanations, see Preface. 






«-» 



1 hardly need say that the thoughts here given are not meant for 
essays; but rather as simple helps for busy men and women in the 
hours of weakness and need which are sure to come to us all. As 
such they have already proved helpful to many. But they are far 
from complete; for there are hundreds of topics to be discussed and 
many things to be said about each one; but a beginning is made, and 
in this we greatly rejoice. 

Those wishing to follow the work still farther, should send in their 
names for the little monthly paper called The Better Way, in which 
all the articles first appear. The subscription price is twenty cents 
a year in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For other coun- 
tries in the postal union the rates are: one copy, twenty-five cents a 
year; two to one address, thirty-five cents; four to one address, sixty 
cents. 

Agents both for the book and paper wanted everywhere. If you 
have spare time and would like the work, write for terms. 

Be sure and use the index freely; as it will suggest many lines of 
thought and work well worth your study. 

Send all orders, both for books and papers to W. H. Wheeler, 
Grinnell, Iowa, U. S, A. 



Copyright, 1896, by W. H. Wheeler. 

PRINTED AT THE HERALD OFFICE, GRINNELL. 



' 



The Better W~ A y 



ADVICE, (i) 

I": I. Shall I Take It? — "If the advice be good take it, no matter 
who gives it;" for even fools and enemies can sometimes teach us 
something which we need to know. But if you are advised to do 
something which your deeper self forbids, or even does not clearly 
consent to, Don't Do It, no matter how kindly or positively the 
advice is given; for your advisers are surely mistaken or else you are 
misapplying their advice. 

1:2. Was It Given In Love? — Was your advice given with a heart 
full of love? If so, good will surely come of it some day. But if it 
was given in a fault-finding and despising spirit, then much harm is 
sure to come of it, and very little good. Also see 102:6. 

1:3. Importance of Brevity. — The most helpful advice is nearly al- 
ways brief; but must also be full of friendliness and suggestiveness. 

1:4. Sometimes Advice Can Do No Good: and there are some peo- 
ple to whom we should very seldom offer it; for the silent example 
of happy lives around them and their own unhappiness are the only 
things that can help them at present. 

1:5. Neglected Advice Is Not Always Lost. — For, even when it does 
not stop men from doing wrong, it often helps them in beginning 
over again later on, when they wake up more fully to the fact that 
they are wrong, and long for help in doing better. 

1:6. What Sort of Helps Do We Most Need When Tempted?— -In mo- 
ments of temptation and weakness you will find that *very simple 
helps, 2 carefully chosen and Soften pondered are more helpful than 
more showy ones; for at such times it is the very simplest and plain- 
est truths which we are most apt to forget and get twisted. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



1:7. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Helping, Rebuk- 
ing, Criticising and Talking; Arguments, Example and Differences 
of Opinion; Friendship, Kindness, Leadership and Love; and often 
Guess Work, Temper and Crossness. 

Also see Talking Too Long, 91:2. Using Truth Unwisely, 98:1 and 
2. How to Help a Tempted Man, 94:1. Advising Discouraged Peo- 
ple, 26:1. Doing Wrong to Please a Friend, 39:2. How to Distin- 
guish Truth from Error, 98:5 and 6. The Final Decision, 28:3. 

AFFECTATION. (2) 

2:1. What Is Affectation? — Affectation may be defined as trying to 
appear more *easy, 2 graceful or ^brilliant than we really are. 

2:2. But Is It a Success? — No it is not. For it covers up the at- 
tractive and lovely parts of our character far more than it does our 
faults; so that we always lose friends by it instead of gaining them; 
or, worse still, we attract those who are untrue at heartland only wish 
to make tools of us in carrying out their own selfish purposes. 

2:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Loneliness, 
Restlessness, and Fear*; Day-Dreams and Excuses; Reputation, 
Pride and The Easy Way. Also see Opportunities. Its opposites 
are naturalness and healthy, quiet growth. Also see Hunting for 
Praise, 75:1, and Talking Too Long, 91:2. 

ANGER. (3) 

3:1. Is it Right to Get Angry? — If by anger you mean simply a 
very great disapproval of what another has done, or is doing, as in 
Eph. 4:26, and Ps. 7:11, then the answer is: Yes, anger is sometimes 
right; i. e., when selfish or foolish elements do not get control of you. 
But this is not the usual meaning of the word; for it nearly always 
refers to a more or less excited and unpitying disapproval of what an- 
other has done, the excitement showing itself in at least a slight ten- 
dency to lose your self-control and act or feel unwisely or selfishly. 
And I venture to say that ninety-nine times out of a hundred, when 
we are forced to admit to others, or in our own secret thoughts, that 
we are angry, this is the definition of anger which applies to our case. 
Is it right, then, to get angry? Most emphatically, No, however 
great the provocation; though undoubtedly some fits of anger, secret 
or open, bring upon us far greater condemnation than others; for 
some are only seriously faulty outbursts of just indignation on seeing 
some great wrong done, while others are full of selfishness and mean- 
ness. 

*See Index. 

For Full List of Topics See index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 5 

3:2. But How Can We Distinguish Anger From a Disapproval and 
Indignation Which Are Right? — In answering this important question, 
the following tests will be found helpful: (1) If you are at all in- 
clined to act or think recklessly; (2) if you find it at all hard to re- 
member the few or many good points of the one' whose acts you are 
condemning; or (3) if you are in the least inclined to excuse your 
own faults, because theirs seem greater than yours; then you may 
be sure that your better self has lost control, and that your disap- 
proval or indignation, however justifiable at first, is so no longer, and 
should be speedily tied up and conquered, by love, prayer, forgive- 
ness, silence and solitude, and such other helps as you find most ef- 
fective. Let us then disapprove of wrong-doing most emphatically; 
and show our indignation plainly, if need be; but let us beware of 
getting angry. For anger, even at its best, does much harm, and 
greatly lessens the good effects of even a just rebuke. 

3:3. Fighting it Out With Yourself. — When roused to fits of wholly 
unjustifiable anger, or of well-grounded anger carried too far, there 
is at least one thing which we can do and always should do. We 
should seize the very first opportunity we can to prayerfully, eagerly 
fight it out in our own minds, not letting the matter drop into the 
forgotten past, till the better side of our nature gets a decisive vic- 
tory. If you cannot get the time in any other way, take it from 
sleep; for otherwise your whole life will be slowly poisoned by un- 
rebuked hatred and untamed anger. See 96:1. 

But how can we tell when the better side of our nature has got the 
victory? The answer is that anger will change to a more quiet dis- 
approval, and side by side of this disapproval will spring up a hearty 
willingness to be of service to the very one who has offended us, in 
any and every way that our better self suggests or approves. 

3:4. Helps in Regaining Your Self- Control When Angry. — (For the 
use of those who are in danger of acting, speaking or feeling angrily 
or unwisely and really wish to control themselves.) 

Yes, there is a wrong here, but I can help in counteracting it better 
if I think of it more quietly, and # am not in too great a hurry. For 
unwise and untimely rebuke is often worse than no rebuke at all. 
This is also more like God's way of meeting wrong. 

Or, again, X needs a rebuke, but now is not the best time to give 
it; or Y needs a rebuke, but his conscience is giving him all he can 
stand now; and perhaps he does not deserve as severe a rebuke as I 
should give. — We should also remember that very often the punish- 
ing of wrong is God's work and not ours at all. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



3:5. Benefits of Self-Control. — Temper controlled makes a man 
stronger, calmer and more clear sighted, and thus better able to 
really remedy the evils at which he is indignant. 

3:6. Hozv to Make the Surest Progress. — Only by persistently re- 
penting and reforming little fits of just, but too excited indignation, 
can we ever learn to control and prevent greater ones; for the little 
ones are really the chief source and cause of the greater. And even 
if it breaks out again very soon, each imperfect victory makes us a 
little stronger and happier. 

3:7. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Temper, Cross- 
ness, Disappointment and Drudgery; also Rebuke, Criticism, Dif- 
ferences of Opinion and Besetting Sins. For opposites see Patience, 
Burden Bearing, Bearing Wrong, Forgiveness, etc.- — —Also see 
Stopping Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. 

ARGUMENTS. (4) 

4:1. Trying to Prove, Too Much. — He who tries to prove too much 
will lose in many an argumeut where he might have won; yes, even 
when the things he proves are true and truly proved! For men can- 
not be convinced of too many new things at once. 

4:2. Don't Use Weak Arguments. — Better leave a man unconvinced 
than try to convince him by using weak arguments; for every weak 
argument you use makes it harder for the man to ever see clearly the 
truth which you wish to prove; while a quiet, earnest Living of that 
same truth makes it slowly, but surely, clearer, and also shows you 
at last how. to make it plain in words. 

4:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Leadership, 
Thought, Books, Truth, Excuses, Exaggeration, Differences of Opin- 
ion, Guess Work and Talking; and in index Discussion, Word Proofs 
and Logic. 

Also see Arguments and Duty, 28:3. Arguing Not Suited to Dis- 
couraged People, 26:1. Importance of Self Control, 3:5. Going 
Against the Grain, 15:2. First Right; Then Quick, 78:1. 

BEARING WRONG. (5) 

5:1. .How To Bear It Patiently and Resist It Without III Will.— 
When some one has wronged you make haste to do him a kindness 
or to get ready for doing him some kindness, when later on your op- 
portunity shall come. Then, whether you have to strike back or not, 

For Full Last of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 7 

your heart will be so full of pity that the cloud will pass away from 
your life; for God will become your protector, adviser and friend and 

will help you in bearing all the pain. This is not easy advice to 

follow, but if you really try to follow it you will be astonished to see 
how often you can do it. with the help that God always gives to those 
who trust and try. — Also see Matt. 5:44 and 45. 

5:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Forgiveness, 
Patience and Suffering. Also see hints under Anger, Temper, Dis- 
appointment, Pity and Rebuke. Also see Knowing Jesus Better, 
56:1. Keeping a Book of Remembrance, 12:3. What to Do When 
You are Not Sure, 28:6. Watchful Silence, 101:3. Translating What 
Others Say, 54:8. Putting Your Pride in Your Pocket, 47:9. 

BEAUTY AND LOVE OF BEAUTY. (6) 

6:1. Love of Beauty. — Mere love of beauty does not make men 
good; but goodness unmixed with love of beauty is sadly incomplete 
and one-sided, and though doing right does not make men and wom- 
en pretty, it does make them more lovely and in course of time fine 
looking too. 

6:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love and Hope; 
Day Dreams and Ideals; Courtship and Home; Rest, Work and Suc- 
cess; and even Godliness and Goodness. Also see Beautiful But 
Selfish, 17:3. Love of Truth, 98:7. Love of Work, 102:4. Books of 
Remembrance, 12:3. 

BESETTING SINS. (7) 

7:1. How to Overcome Them. — If there is some sin which you seem 
powerless to overcome, even after honest, prayerful effort, I would 
advise you for a while to watch more closely for other seemingly more 
trifling faults, and to overcome these more fully, by patient, prayer- 
ful effort. Then you will find that somehow or other, you know not 
how, the besetting sin which at first you could not conquer has greatly 
lessened its hold on you, and can now be fought against successfully. 

7:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Study carefully 
the topics Habit and Doing Wrong; also Doing Right and Prayer; 
and the special sins which most easily beset you. 

Also study Despising Little Opportunities, 67:1. Doing Wrong in 
Little Things, 29:2 and 3. Trusting God Only Half and Half, 40:8. 
Things That Look Right, But Are Not, 29:1. Are You Really Try- 
ing? 28:13. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS. (8) 

8:1. Reading in General. — Do not trouble yourself to read very- 
much, or to remember much of what you read. The chances are you 
cannot do it, even if you try. Simply read with care ; labelling each 
part with a well-considered "Yes" or "No," or "Uncertain," or "I 
don't know about that," or "I don't understand that," and above all, 
so plan and choose your reading as to always start a few good, clear 
seed thoughts and queries of your own. Do this, and all your read 
ing will do you good, however soon forgotten; and more and more 
of it will stay by you; and above all, your power to see things clearly 
and correctly, and to use them wisely and^effectively, will steadily 
increase. 

8:2. Reading Too Much. — You cannot get strong by too much eat- 
ing, neither can you get wise by too much reading (too much in all, 
or too much at any one time). Yet we are all sorely tempted at 
times to forget or resist this simple law of mental hygiene, and sub- 
stitute much reading for well-digested reading. But we always lose 
by it; and the only safe rule is to stop reading for a while whenever 
we have any doubt as to whether it will be good for us. Nor should 
we go on reading till the doubt is x cleared away, or 2 duty very clearly 
bids us disregard it. For the doubt generally shows that the mind 
has something of more present importance for our brain to do, or 
else is working out successfully some way of solving the problem in 
hand which is better suited to our needs. 

8:3. Laying Up Treasure For Others. — Don't read simply for your- 
self. There are some things worth remembering and keeping be- 
cause some friend or neighbor of yours may sometime need them. 

8:4. Reading Novels. — Don't read every novel that is recommended 
to you, not even every interesting one; for some are full of poison. 
And even for good novels of which there are so many, the only safe 
way is to stop reading, for awhile, when they make you cross, or dis- 
contented with your own chances in life; for then they are doing you 
harm, and blinding you to many a little chance and little duty which 
if carefully used would lead you on to greater ones later on. 

8:5. Skipping. — Never be afraid to skip whole sentences, pages and 
even chapters, if by so doing you can get a clearer and more helpful, 
though less complete, knowledge of the parts that you do read. Then, 
if the book is worth it, you can reread it later on, so as to get some 
of the points that you have skipped. But don't overload or over- 
strain the mind for the sake of reading the whole book; for, if you 



For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. g 

do, you will lose a large part of the good that you might have got 
out of the book; for your 'thoughts about it and your Understanding 
of it will be full of mistakes, which might have been avoided had you 
stopped or skipped when your truer impulses told you too do so. 
But be sure and read very carefully the parts that you don't skip! 

8:6. Suggested Thoughts. — The thoughts which a book suggests are 
often of more importance (to us) than what it actually says. But to 
clearly catch and really master these suggested thoughts we must 
take time to look at them definitely and carefully just as soon as we 
possibly can without working the brain too hard or neglecting some 
other duty. This does not ordinarily take long, but should never be 
lightly omitted; for otherwise the suggested thought is in danger of 
losing its vitality and power, and may even wholly disappear. 

8:7. The Books We Love. — The books we love will surely shape our 
lives, even when we seem to have forgotten them and all they say. 
Let us remember this and find in it either comfort or warning, which- 
ever we need; for it shows a very sure way of helping ourselves 
either up or down in life. 

8:8. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Thought and 
Truth; Knowledge* and Opinion*; Arguments, Ideals and Advice. 
Also Studying, Resting, Talking and Forgetting. Translating What 
Others Say, 54:8. Books of Remembrance, 12:3. 

BURDEN BEARING. (9) 

9:1. How to Bear Them More Easily. — Remember that God is 
willing to help you in bearing your burdens; and the only conditions 
are that He, as the wiser partner, (I. Cor. 3:9,) must be allowed to 
do most of the planning, and that you must do your part heartily and 
as well as you know how, however small it may be. Surely these are 
not unreasonable conditions; and yet they are a sure way to peace, 
and gladness and power. 

9:2. But Just What is God's Part? — It is not simply in the most 
'important matters that God offers to give and send us help. For if 
we *ask and Hrust Him, He stands ready to help us in everything 
that is even a little too hard for us. Only let us remember that we 
must let Him decide just^z^ the needed help shall come; and freely 
consent to His changing our plans for us, whenever He sees that it 
is better for us and for others. 

9:3. Tomorrow 's Burdens. — Do not carry tomorrow's burdens to- 
day; for the morrow shall carry its own. Sufficient unto each day 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



are the burdens thereof; and according to each day's need shall 
strength be given to those who ask it. 

(Free Translation of Matt. 6:34 and Dent. 33:25.) 

9:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book.— Anything that is 
hard to bear. But for a partial list see Suffering, Bearing Wrong 
and Difficulties. Also study carefully Love, Patience, Prayer and 
Godliness. Also, Knowing Jesus Better, 56:1. Watching and Rest- 
ing, 101:4. Watchful Waiting, 101:2, and The Bright Side, 58:1. 

BUSINESS. (10) 

10:1. Our Motives in Business. — Our chief aim in business, (as in 
everything else) should be to make each act a *wise and 2 hearty con- 
tribution to the general good; and if you make the simple getting of 
money your-chief end in life or in business, you may succeed, but 
even if you do, you will be far less happy and really comfortable 
and honored, than many another man whom you try hard to despise 
because he has less property than you have. 

10:2. How to Become Foreman and Partner. — Do your work as care- 
fully as if you were already a first-class junior partner; study all the 
ins and outs of the business as closely as it you expected to be fore- 
man 01 manager sometime; and learn the art of not spending your 
money as fast as you get it; and, if you have any fitness at all for the 
work you are doing, your chances of somewhere becoming, first, fore- 
man and, then, partner will grow brighter every day, Also see 48:2. 

10:3. Kindred Topics. — The book is full of them; but especially 
see Work, Rest, Helpfulness, Dishonesty, Money, Debt, Opportuni- 
ties, Difficulties, Plans, Perplexity, Guess-Work, Quickness, Hints 
for Hard Times, etc.' Also see How to Take Good Care of Your- 
self, 85:1. Spending Time on Little Things, 59:3. How to Get a 
Job of Work, 48:3. How to Decide Right, 28:3, and Doing Wrong 
in Little Things, 29:2 and 3. 

CARELESSNESS. (11) 

1 1:1. Carelessness and Its Consequences.— -The man who does his 
work, or makes his plans carelessly is sure to get into trouble. 

1 1:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Guess-Work, Ex- 
cuses and Little Things; Discouragement and Loneliness; Restless- 
ness, Recklessness, Unhappiness, Drudgery and Misplaced Pride, 77:1. 
For opposites see Watchfulness, Opportunities and Carefulness.* 
Also see Despising Little Opportunities, 67:1. Carelessness and 

For Full List of topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. u 

Failure, 48:2. Letting the Weeds Grow, 15:3. Tired of Doing Right, 
28:7. Does Trying Do Any Good? 99:1.' Learning to Love One's 
Work, 102:4. Learning to Do Better by Example, 45:2. 

CHARACTER AND GROWTH. (12) 
12:1. Where to Begin. — The light that shines farthest must shine 

brightly at home. [Selected.] 

12:2. Making Good News Reports. — Life is full of good news; but 
we often hear it and pass it on with only the faintest sort of an idea 
of how good it is; thus losing much of the ^heer and z good that we 
might have had, had we known its worth. As a partial remedy for 
this tendency I would suggest occasionally sending or giving to your 
pastor, mother, or some other friend, little bits of news, specially 
marked "Good News." Especially would I advise giving them to 
those friends whose influence has proven the deepest and most last- 
ing in giving to your life some new impulse upward and onward; and 
also to your gloomy friends, in a lighter but no less sincere and 
hearty way. We can furnish sample Good News Cards by mail for 
two cents. But when you get started, you will not need a printed 
card, except for extra occasions. -Also see next paragraph. 

12:3. Keeping a Book of Remembrance. — It is also a great help 
when Hempted, 2 lonely, 3discouraged or 4perplexed if we can clearly 
bring to mind some of the bright examples that have cheered and 
strengthened us in times gone by; and also some of the hopeful 
things in the lives of those whose faults oftenest discourage and dis- 
appoint us. Ordinarily these bright spots easily come to mind, when 
we set out heartily to hunt for them. But sometimes our memories 
seem very dull; for discouragement and temper have silenced them. 
At such times a little "Book of Remembrance" will be found very 
helpful, Several such lie before me now. Some of the owners' fa- 
vorite references I find repeated on nearly every page, for they like 
to dwell on them and see them often; but new ones keep coming in, 
showing that the writers are seeing more and more of the bright side 
of life. Let me give some of the entries, simply changing or omit- 
ting names: Mother's generosity. 's earnest prayer meeting 

talks. Father's patience. Father's past life. Aunt 's sweet 

life. John's forgiveness. J. 's faithfulness. H. B.'s help in my work. 

P.'s improvement in school. My talk with . Our stay in N. 

These hard times! 

If you do not already keep some such book, let me advise you to 
do it. For though some of this good news has been gathered from 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



plain, two-cent pocket books, and some from fine, gilt-edged and ex- 
pensively bound ones, it all has the same ring and has helped in 
many an hour of need. These Good News Books will also help you 
in knowing how to help and cheer others in their moments of need. 

For Children's Good News Books see C:ig. (Also see Mai. 3:16 

and 17.) 

12:4. How to be Sure You Are a Good Man. — We. call ourselves 
good, and point to our past life. But is that enough? No; for a 
truly good man is one who is busily engaged doing good and is quiet- 
ly growing better day by day; and one who seems to just stand still 
has very little goodness in him, or else is sadly mistaken as to what 
duty really calls for (100:2). Let us remember this and apply it to 
ourselves. 

12:5. A Hopeful Sign. — "Yes, B. has faults; but is trying very 
earnestly to get rid of them." 

12:6. Kindred Topics. — Nearly every section in the book; but es- 
pecially Work, Rest and Study; Godliness, Doing Right and Home. 
Also see Reputation, Habit, Trying and "Ways of Learning."* Also 
"Love, Happiness and Growth," 61:5. Aimlessness and Nameless- 
ness, 15:1. 

CHEER AND CHEERFULNESS. (13) 

13:1. The Secret of Cheerfulness. — Unless we are lovingly engaged 
in bringing cheer to other lives we cannot have much of it ourselves. 
For love is the very fountain head of cheer; and a cheer that has no 
love in it is a hollow and disappointing mockery; and an unsuccess- 
ful attempt to deceive ourselves and others; for we cannot do it very 
long. 

13:2. When Cheer Grows Dim. — -But even in a loving heart cheer 
sometimes grows dim. What then? Why, simply stop your other 
work, however good it may be and give a wee bit of time to special 
rest and prayer; then turn to doing lovingly some little thing which 
shows your love for others more simply and more wisely ; and it will 
not be long before things will look bright again. 

13:3. Loving and Enjoying the Right. — A healthy Christian not 
only loves the right, but enjoys it. For, though a long faced piety 
may be perfectly genuine, it is always seriously faulty at some im- 
portant point. (See 102:5 and 100:2.) Let us remember this; that 
our piety may not only be earnest; but also cheerful. 

13:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love and Hope; 
Godliness and Prayer (esp. 76:3), Rest and Patience, Thankfulness 
For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 13 

and Kindness; Home and Day Dreams, etc. Also see Talking and 

Silence.* For opposites see Discouragement, Loneliness and 

Dread. 

Also see Patience and Sunshine, 68:1. Looking for Good News, 
12:3. Looking an the Bright Side First, 58:2. Knowing Jesus, 56:1. 
Watchful Waiting, 101:2. Rest and Prayer, 101:4. 

CHILDREN. (14) 

14:1. Idle Hands. — For Satan finds some mischief still 
For idle hands to do. 
So reads the ancient rhyme, and it is true. So that one of your first 
and most important duties is to keep in mind a rich variety of simple 
kinds of 'work and 2 play which your child likes; and also to find out 
what kinds of sticks and stones, boxes and papers, tin plates and 
cups, marbles and nails, wagons and dolls, and other simple toys, give 
the little one most pleasure, and to carefully lay aside and keep in 
different parts of the house a goodly supply of these, to keep the lit- 
tle brain pleasantly occupied in studying and using them when other 
kinds of work or play have lost their interest. Nor should you look 
on these as so much "truck;" but rather as among the choicest of 
your family treasures; for on a proper use of such trifles depends in 
large part the healthy development of your child's 'character, 2 mind 
and 3body. 

14:2. Letting the Children Help. — Expect and require your children 
to help you, even if their help is at first rather troublesome; take care 
not to make their work too hard, too long or too monotonous for 
their childish powers; praise them heartily and lovingly for the work 
that is well done; and be patient and tender when it is done blunder- 
ingly, and patient and tender and firm when it is done unwillingly; 
and your reward will be a happier home than you can have in any 
other way. You will be happier yourself and your children will be 
happier, and far more likely to remember and use through life the 
lessons of truth and unselfishness which by word aud example you 
are trying to teach them. 

14:3. Unaccountable Crossness. — When a child who is ordinarily rea- 
sonable and loving, becomes suddenly very cross and seemingly un- 
reasonable, without apparent cause — 'hunger, 2 thirst (often for sim- 
ple water, rather than milk) — 3sleepiness or 4 some undetected phys- 
ical pain is nearly always the cause. And even with unloving and 
selfish children, these account for agreat deal; though there is added 
to them a sad confusion and wrongness in their ruling motives and 
habits of thought and life. Yet even such more or less excusable 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



H THE BETTER WAY 



crossness should, for the child's good be stopped; first and oftenest 
by tenderness, tact, and making haste to find and remove or lessen 
its causes; and secondly, when these means fail, or only partially 
succeed, by the use of some sort of love-guided punishment, side by 
side of the tenderness. 

14:4. Children 's Crossness in General. — Crossness is never wholly due 
to selfishness; for it is always in part a protest against some mistake 
which some one has made in their treatment of the one who is 
cross. But it is a blundering and confused protest, and tends very strong- 
ly to degenerate into mere selfishness and meanness. Hence the 
need of helping the child to overcome it by punishment, of which we 
have already spoken, when other gentler means of stopping it prove 
unsuccessful. The best punishment ordinarily is to make the child 
stay by itself for a while in some corner of the room, until it is willing 
to try to control itself and is ready once more for tender helps, which 
should then be given gladly, but quietly. 

14:5. Rebuking Needlessly or Too 'Sharply. — We often minunder- 
stand our inexperienced little neighbors, the children, and rebuke 
and condemn them, when all they need is a little caution and restraint. 

[Selected] 

14:6. The Pleasant Side of Duty. — Never allow your children to 
do what is wrong "for the sake of making it pleasanter for them"; 
for if you do they will wake up some day and curse you for it. — But 
as you lead, advise and compel them in the right way, be sure and 
make it radiant with J love, 2 hope and 3justice and show them by 
your own example how pleasant the right way can be made, when we 
come near enough to God to make our lives both true and wise. 

14:7. Punishing Our Children. — Let us remember that the con- 
stant purpose of punishment in the home should be to help our chil- 
dren in finding out and loving what is right. If it fails in doing this 
it is a sad, an awful failure. Let it then be very firm, but very, very 
full of love; and let us learn to always preface it with silent or spoken 
prayer, till we are sure our own hearts are right and we ourselves are 
willing to be led of God. 

14:8. Children 1 s Questions. — Children ask a great many questions; 
some of them too hard to answer, some of them unwise, some of them 
seemingly very trifling and unnecessary, and some of them really un- 
necessary; and occasionally questions born of laziness or conceit. 
But though we should not and cannot always answer their questions, 
we should always give them some friendly and encouraging reply; 
for this much the child always needs, and will be injured by not getting. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 15 

14:9. Our Own Example. — If we want our children to believe what 
we teach them, or at least to profit by it, we must really try to prac- 
tice it ourselves. We may not always succeed, and our children may 
know very well that we do not; but if we really try, and in a manly, 
womanly way acknowledge to them that we do fail, they will listen 
more attentively to what we say, and above all ponder it x often and 
2 honestly in secret, and in years to come. 

14:10. Our Own Unnoticed or Half-Excused Faults. — You will ofte n 
find that some of your children's most persistent and dangerous faults 
are the x direct copy or else indirect result of some unnoticed or half- 
excused fault in your own life; and when you set out heartily to cor- 
rect your own fault, your child's fault is not hard to overcome. But 
if you go on excusing or over-looking your own fault, you will find 
yourself powerless to help your child. 

14: 1 1. Going Into Repentance Corner Yourself. — Remember that you , 
too, must sometimes go off alone into repentance corner and ask for 
forgiveness and help, and wait till you get it {Gen. 32:26); or you can- 
not be as x wise and 2 patient and ^tender and yet +firm as you should 
be in correcting your children and pupils. 

14:12. Spend Much Time With Your Children. — For the fathers and 
mothers who fail to spend much time in personally helping, teaching 
and training their children lose some of life's greatest blessings and 
make both their own and their children's lives permanently narrower. 
Nor is it enough that the mothers do it all; for every father greatly 
needs the blessings which come from close and frequent contact with 
his children; and there are some lessons which a father can teach the 
child mere perfectly and more fully than any one else; just as there 
are also some lessons which only a mother can teach. 

14:13. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — See Home, 
Children's Corner and scores of others; such as Patience, Kind- 
ness, Temper, Work, Prayer, Going Against the Grain, 15:2. Mis- 
taken Kindness, 55:2. Watchfulness and Worry, 101:1. Neglected 
Advice, 1:5. How to Help Them When Tempted, 94:1. Smiles and 
Kisses, 49:4, and many others. 

CONDUCT IN GENERAL. (15) 

15:1. Aimlessness and Namelessness. — Plainly these two words 
sound alike; but our readers well know that their meanings are dif- 
ferent; and yet strange to say they are often mistaken the one for the 
other, and, because a man cannot explain in words what he is trying 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



16 THE BETTER WAY 



to do, it is often taken for granted that he has no clear aim or pur- 
pose. But as a matter of fact some of the wisest and best things we 
ever do are done at first under the guidance of impulses so deep that 
we cannot explain even to ourselves why we do them. Let us re- 
member this and be very careful not to mistake namelessness for 
aimlessness. And let us learn to fearlessly go ahead if the impulses 
which lead us are Quiet, Deep and Helpful even if we cannot as 
yet tell just what it all means. But we should beware of restless, un- 
quiet impulses; for these are a very poor guide. 

15:2. Going Against the Grain. — Do not go needlessly against the 
grain, even in very little things, either in dealing with yourself or 

2 others; for if you do you are sure to often get into trouble, without 
knowing why, and to throw away a great deal of time and strength. 

But also see 32:1. 

15:3. Letting the Weeds Grow. — K. let the weeds grow and then 
wondered why that year's work was a failure, 

15:4. Too Great Risks. — "Do not put too many eggs in one basket." 

(Sir John Lubbock.) 

15:5. It's Good'; But Do You Need It?— Yes, it's good; but is it 
what you need? If not, you better let it alone; for it will do you 
harm. And why? Simply because it will crowd out some other 
help or pleasure which you do really need and from which you would 
get far more pleasure and good than from this. 

1 5 :6. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Books. — Character, Work, 
Habit, Guess Work, Right, Wrong, etc. 



CONSEQUENCES. (16) 



16:1. A STUDY OF THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE; OR SOME OF 
THE CHEERING CONSEQUENCES OF DOING RIGHT. 

Consequences Consequences 

Of Bearing Wrong Patiently, 5:1. 
Of Being Grateful, 95:1. 
Of Being Patient, 68:1 and 2. 
Of Being Faithful and Skilful, 

48:2 and 10:2, 
Of Careful Reading, 8:1. 
Of Careful Living, Sees. 35 and 45 
Of Doing Ones Work Well, 1027 
Of Doing Right, 45:1 and 16:1. 
Of Doing Right Cheerfully, 28:12 
Of Giving Advice in Love, 1:2. 



Of Hungering for Righteousness, 

89:5. 
Of Having a Heart Full of Love, 

58:1. 
Of Knowing Jesus Better, 56:1. 
Of Loving Home, 49:1. 
Of Loving Truth, 98:7. 
Of Loving What Is Good, 

44:1 and 45:2, 
Of Looking for the Bright and 

Lovely Side, 12:3 and 45:2. 



For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 



Of Looking at the Bright Side 

First, 58:2. 
Of Making Others Happier, 45:5. 
Of Praying Aright, 76:1 and 2. 
Of Resting on Sunday, 82:2. 
Of Really Loving God, 40:3. 
Of Really Trusting Him, 40:5. 
Of Suffering, Rightly Borne, 89:6. 
Of Seeing the Bright Side Clearly, 

897. 



Of a True Hearted Smile, 

47:8 and 1. 

Of True Forgiveness, 38:2. 

Of Trying Daily to Do Ones Best, 
99:1. 

Of Using Our Little Opportuni- 
ties, 67:1. 

Of Uncle John's Day Dreams, 
20:1. 



16:2. A STUDY OF THE DARK SIDE OF LIFE; OR SOME 
OF THE SAD CONSEQUENCES OF DOING WRONG. 

We do not wish to dwell on this side of life as long as we did on 
the Bright Side (16:1) for it would not be as helpful; but the follow- 
ing references are well worth study, as showing how different the 
consequences of wrong doing are from those of right. 

Affectation, 2:1, Carelessness, 11:1, Dishonesty, 27:1, Despising 
Little Opportunities, 67:1. Doing Wrong in General, 28:2. Doing 
Wrong in Little Things, 29:2 and 3, and 100:4. Doing Wrong to 
Please a Friend, 39:2. Doing Things in Too Great a Hurry, 97:1. 
Exaggerating Our Misfortunes, 63:1. Going by Guess Work, 43:1 
and 2. Going Against the Grain, 15:2. Gossiping, 41:2. Hunting 
for Praise, 75:1. Loving Money Too Much, 10:1 and 64:1. Misusing 
the Sabbath, 84:1. Misusing the Truth, 98:4. Recklessness, 80:1. 
Selfishness, 86:1 and 2. Showing Love Unwisely, 61:6. Unwise and 
Unfriendly Criticism, 54:3 and 6. Unwise and Selfish Marriages, 17:3. 
Using Weak Arguments, 4:2. Using Truth Unwisely, 98:1. Using 
Alcoholic Drinks, 93:1 and 2. 

16:3. Fear of Consequences. — If a thing is clearly right never be 
afraid of the consequences of doing it, and if it is clearly wrong never 
be afraid of the consequences of not doing it; for the final outcome 
of wrong doing is always unhappiness and degradation, while the final 
outcome of right doing is always love and happiness and peace. And 
even if you cannot tell which way is morally right, and which wrong, 
you have no reason to fear, if you will leave the whole matter in 
God's hands and turn to lesser problems and humbler work. For He 
will work it out in due time; and your responsibility has ceased, un- 
less perchance you later on receive new orders. For unless you can 
decide intelligently, you have no right to decide at all. — But if you 
are doing what you know to be wrong, or even persistently meddling 



For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



with things that are too perplexing for you, then you have good rea- 
son to be afraid of the consequences; for they are sure to be bitter. 

COURTSHIP AND MARRYING, (if) 

17:1. "Why Speak of Such Topics as These?' — All will agree that 
these are most important topics and that thousands of lives have been 
made lonely and unhappy through carelessness and ignorance right 
here. "But does advice on such topics ever do any good?" Yes, 
there are today living many happy married and unmarried witnesses 
that such advice, if given kindly and not too late, is both welcome 
and helpful. And even when the advice comes too late and an un- 
happy marriage cannot be prevented,' friendly and gentle advice may 
often keep- "one from going on and making matters a great deal wotse. 
For even in a very lonely home there is a right way and a wrong way. 

17:2. Choosing a Life Partner. — First of all, be sure and choose one 
you greatly love and admire; secondly, one who greatly loves and 
admires you; thirdly, one who has proved himself or herself able to 
really help you and satisfy you in many different moods and circum- 
stances; and fourthly, one whom you can trust way down to the bot- 
tom of your heart, especially in your more quiet moments; though 
you may realize, vaguely perhaps, that they sometimes make mis- 
takes. Then though you are sure to discover many unexpected faults, 
you are also sure of having a real help-meet, one really fitted to help 
you; and your mutual love will grow stronger and deeper as years 
go by, and will show more and more plainly too, though not always 
in the same way. 

17:3. Smartness and Beauty Alone Are Not Enough. — For some of 
the smartest men and brightest, prettiest women make poor husbands 
and wives, because they are so selfish. "Must we then marry some 
one who is dull and homely?" No, not unless you choose to. .Only 
among those whom you count smart or pretty, be sure and choose 
one who is J truly congenial and 2 really lovely (worthy of love and 
full of love); for, if you are careless at this point, a hard and lonely 
life will prove that you, at least, were once a fool, whatever your 
companion may be. Yet even if you have failed here there is no need 
of your making matters still worse and showing that you are still a 
fool; for those who patiently and prayerfully learn the lesson of 
trusting God and forgiving man will always find that even a lonely 
home is full of stepping stones toward peace and heaven and joy, 
more perfect joy than they have ever known before. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 19 

17:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Beauty, Day- 
Dreams, Friendship, Home, Loneliness, Sympathy and Love. — Spe- 
cial dangers, Haste,* Restlessness, Guess Work and Affectation. 

Also see Praying Over It, 76:1. Taking or Rejecting Advice as to 
Who Not to Marry, 1:1. Going by Guess Work, 43:1. What to Do 
When You Are Not Sure, 28:6. Importance of Being Sure, 102:5. 
Doing Wrong to Please a Friend, 39:2. 

CROSSNESS. (18) 

18:1. Crossness in Adults. — We have spoken elsewhere of the cross- 
ness of children (14:3 and 4). But how are we grown-up people to 
overcome our own crossness? Let us see. What is crossness? A 
mingling of disappointment and anger (only unaccompanied by any 
wish to injure). Like all other forms of anger, then, we should fight 
it out with ourselves prayerfully, the very same day, never waiting till 
tomorrow (See 3:3); and secondly, we should not have so many must- 
be plans as we do, and should not make our plans and expectations 
as stiff and set as we do, so that we will not be disappointed, if every 
detail does not turn out as we supposed or hoped it would. For if 
our larger aims in life are well chosen, and we are really careful and 
watchful in our work moment by moment, a great many details, and 
sometimes even the larger outlines of our plans, can be best deter- 
mined on the spur of the moment, and seemingly almost without 
thought. 

18:2. Work That Makes Us Cross or Mad. — You should not ordi- 
narily begin on a piece of work, when you find that it makes you feel 
cross or mad. For nearly always a little rest or a season in repent- 
ance corner is what you first need and most need for your own good 
and for the good of others. 

18:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Anger, Temper, 
Selfishness, Loneliness, Disappointment, Discontent, Recklessness, 
Excitement,* Differences of Opinion, Unhappiness and Criticising 
Too Freely, 54:3. — For opposites see Kindness, Patience, Forgiveness, 
Love and Bearing Wrong. 

Also see Misusing our Ideals, 52:1. Seeing Only a Man's Faults, 
54:7. Exaggerating Our Misfortunes, 63:1. Harmful Day-Dreams, 
20:2. Trusting God Only Half and Half, 40:8. Cutting Our Plans 
in Two, 71:2. Stopping Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. Looking at the 
Bright Side First, 58:2. Need of Daily and Hourly Victories, 3:6 and 
7:1. Children's Crossness, 14:3 and 4. Too Much Pepper, C:25. 
Feeling Ashamed of It, C:26. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



DARKNESS. (19) 

19:1. How to Find the Light Again. — Be true to the light you have, 
however dim, and you are sure to come out again into the larger 
light for which you long. 

And even if you are so much in the dark that you cannot seem 
sure of anything, just postpone most of your bigger plans and 2 give 
yourself up heartily to seemingly trifling duties, 3honestly trying mo- 
ment by moment, to come as near right as'you can; and you will find 
later on that you have been helped and blessed and have gained ground 
in manhood, usefulness and happiness in spite of your perplexity. — - 
And why? Simply because God never leaves a real truth-lover per- 
manently in the dark in any matter .that vitally affects his inmost 
heart life. . 

19:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Discouragement, 
Perplexity and Suffering; and oftentimes Guess Work, Recklessness, 
and Unhappiness. — Opposites; Insight,* Hope and Abundance of 
Peace, 40:13. 

Also see Apparent Confusion Between Right and Wrong, 28:10. 
Taking Short Steps, 69:1 and 2. Going by Guess Work, 43:1. Rest- 
ing and Praying, 101:4. Stopping Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. Un- 
bearable Burdens, 28:12. Lost Opportunities, 67:2. Is There Really 
a Bright Side to Life? 5.8:3, and Times When Conscience Seems to 

Be Silent, 28:5. Especially would I ask you to study 96:1, though 

you may at first think that it does not apply to your case at all. 

DAY-DREAMS. (20) 

20:1. Helpful Day-Dreams. — "There are two kinds of day-dreams, 
helpful day-dreams and harmful ones; and when I am tired and dis- 
couraged I, for one, like to sometimes do a little helpful day-dream- 
ing." So says Uncle John; and we are inclined to think he is right. 
For he always comes back to his work with a brighter and more love- 
lit face; and it is wonderful how often his dreams come true. Only, 
as Uncle John says, "Remember that there are two kinds; and choose 
the helpful ones." "For by their fruits shall ye know them." 

20:2. How Can We Recognize a Helpful Day-Dream? — A very sure 
and simple test is the following: A harmful day dream simply fills 
your mind with plans and promises for tomorrow, while making your 
life today even more selfish and uncomfortable and short-sighted 
than usual. But a helpful day-dream always makes you more quiet, 
more patient, more wise and more loving, right where you now are, 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 21 

and in all you do; and if you keep a sharp look-out for them, you will 
find that there are many such. But, oh, beware of the harmful ones, 
20:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Harmful day- 
dreams rest on Guess Work, Section 43. Helpful day-dreams rest 
on unproved and crudely stated, but really helpful certainties and 
possibilities. — For other Kindred Topics see Ideals, Rest and Hope. 
— Also see Novel Reading, 8:4, and Love of Beauty, 6:1. 

DEBTS. (21) 

21:1. Try at Least to Pay a Part. — If you have an over-due debt, 
which you cannot pay now, try at least to pay a part of it, and it is 
astonishing how much easier it is to pay the rest. 

21:2. Returning Borrozved Money Promptly. — Never keep borrowed 
money a single hour beyond the time appointed for its return, if it be 
in your power by any honest means to return it promptly; for disap- 
pointment will often close a man's purse against you forever. [Selected] 

21:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Business, Money, 
and Little Things; also Hints for Hard Times, Poverty and Suffer- 
ing. Difficulties and How to Meet Them, 23:1. When Not to Choose 
the Easy Way, 32:1, and It's Good; But Do You Need It, 15:5. 

DIFFERENCES OF OPINION. (22) 

22:1. Why Honest Men Can Differ. — Truth is very many-sided and 
man's mind is rather slow and pretty easily confused on unfamiliar 
ground; so that a man may be very honest and level headed and still 
fail to see many of the truths and half-truths which you have seen 
and loved. Remember this and be patient; and patience will bring 
you nearer to your neighbor and nearer to God, even if yoxxseem to 
be as far apart as ever. 

22:2. Kindred Topics. — [Ignorance,] Guess Work, Exaggeration, 
and the Largeness of Truth, Section 98. Also study "Our Thoughts," 
(Section 96) Judging Others, Disappointment, Loneliness, Forgive- 
ness, etc. For unfriendly differences of opinion see Misunderstand- 
ings,* and Crossness. — Also see Old Folks' Opinions, 66:1. Trans- 
lating What Others Say, 54:8. Sifting What We Read, 8:1, and 
Keeping a Book of Remembrance, 12:3. 

DIFFICULTIES. (23) 

23:1. How to Meet Them. — The more difficulties you find in the 
way the more careful you should be to keep your head clear; and if 
you find that you cannot work successfully at the difficulty itself, 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



turn promptly and vigorously to some form of rest or work or recre- 
ation which will help in clearing your thoughts. But woe to the man 
who gets to hurrying; and woe to the man who does nothing or 
works in a careless,, half-hearted way. 

23:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Suffering, Hard 
Times, Discouragement, Poverty, Burdens, Dread, Drudgery, Plans, 
Perplexity, Unhappiness, The Easy Way, and scores of others; for 
everything worth doing has some hard parts. 

Seemingly Impossible Duties, 28:9. Cutting Our Plans in Two, 
71:2. Needless Difficulties, 15:2 and 28:10. Are You Really Trying 
to Do Right? 28:13. What to Do When in Doubt, 28:6. Praying 
About Things That Trouble Us, 76:1. Runaway Thoughts, o,6-,i. 

DISAPPOINTMENT. (24) 

24:1. When Our Plans are Upset. — Carefully laid plans are a neces- 
sary and helpful part of life; only remember that sometimes God 
has better plans for you, and don't be discouraged if He sometfmes 
lets some devil or man or angel upset your plans after you have done 
your best, or if your' own better self forbids your carrying them out; 
for experience shows that at such times God is only leading us by a 
surer, though more winding way, toward the very things which we 
most deeply need and long for. 

24:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Ideals and Their 
Uses, Plans and Their Uses, Hopefulness, Discouragement, Sufferings 
Misfortunes and Guess Work, and often Unhappiness, Crossness, and 
Temper. — Also see Closed Doors, 67:2. Watchful Waiting, 101:2 
and 3. Prayer, 76:1. "I've Got to Do It," 102:1. God's Way of 
Satisfying, 40:5. 

DISCONTENT. (25) 

25:1, Ifs True Character. — Be careful not to mistake discontent 
for love of truth and progress. For discontent spends much of its- 
time simply growling at the present, past and future; while love of 
progress spends its time in gratefully recognizing the good of to-day 
and preparing for a better to-morrow. 

25:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Disappointment, 
Temper, Anger, Crossness, Drudgery, Carelessness, Exaggeration, 
Conceit,* Guess Work, Unhappiness and Selfishness. For opposites 
see Bearing Wrong, Hopefulness, Contentment,* and Love. — Also 
see Things That Look Right, But Are Not, 29:1. Some Evidences- 
That You Are on the Wrong Track, 3:2. Dwelling on the Hard 
Things, 89:3. Seeing Only a Man's Faults, 54:7. The Love Test, 102:6.. 
For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 23 



DISCOURAGEMENT. (26) 

26:1. How to Help Discouraged People. — Do not argue with a dis- 
couraged person. Just show your love simply and tenderly; and get 
them to stop and rest a while. Then later on when the first storm of 
discouragement is over, make such explanations and suggestions as 
you can; but not till then, and even then do not give too big a dose, 

26:2. Getting Discouraged Yourself. — Most of us can not help getting 
discouraged at times; but let us alwaj^s remember that it is a blun- 
der, and never be proud of it, and never stick to it, and be careful not 
to talk about it as if our discouraged thoughts were true and trust- 
worthy.. But let us rather begin right away to drive out such thoughts 
by resting, praying and watching more carefully. 

26:3. Discouraged, But Not Useless. — Even if you can't do a whole 
man's work, (or think you can't), at least be an honest, hearty work- 
er on the right side, and you will never be sorry for it. 

26:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Disappointment, 
Loneliness, Perplexity. Difficulties, Ideals. Plans, Opportunities and 
Overwork, 102:1. For opposites see Hopefulness. For still other 
helps see Rest, Suffering and Prayer. Also Trying, 99:1. Exaggerating 
Our Misfortunes, 63:1. Carrying God's Part of the Burden, 101:1. 
Trusting God Only Half and Half, 40:8. Using Truth Unwisely, 98: 1. 
The Love Test, 102:6. Praying Over It, 76:1. Knowing Jesus Bet- 
ter, 56:1. Conflicting Duties, 28:8. Stopping Runaway Thoughts, 
96:1. 

DISHONESTY. (27) 

27:1. The dishonest man is always an unhappy man; and the 
longer he persists in his dishonesty the more restless and unhappy 
he is, even when he covers it up most carefully and seems most pros- 
perous. 

27:2. Changing Its Name. — Call your dishonesty by some other 
name, and you may fool others, but you cannot long deceive yourself. 

27:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Restlessness, 
Selfishness, and [Ignorance;] Excuses and Unhappiness, Doing 
Wrong and Little Things. Also see Business and Money. — For op- 
posites see Honesty* and Doing Right. 

Also see Success in Doing Wrong, 29:7. Harmful Day-Dreams, 
20:2. Doing Wrong in Little Things, 29:2 and 3 and 100:4. When 
Our Friends Tempt Us, Shall We Do Wrong to Please Them? 39:2. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



n THE BETTER WAY 



Smiling but Unhappy, 100:3. Manly Repentance, 29:6. Trying to 
Pay Part of a Debt (even if you cannot pay all), 21:1. 

DOING RIGHT. (28) 

28:1. Doing Right Moment by Moment. — Only by being very true 
to our deeper convictions of duty moment by moment in what seem 
to be little things, can we ever learn to be really wise in great ones. 

28:2. Meaning of the Words Right and Wrong (When Correctly 
Used in Settling a Question of Present Duty). — Wrong is not what 
we call wrong, or think wrong, or can "prove" to be wrong; and right 
is not what we call right, or think right, or can "prove" to be right; 
though all of these, if honestly used, may help in making a man stop 
and consider. But right is what a man's deeper, truer, quieter, self 
points out as the best thing for him to do, now and here or approves 
of his doing; and wrong is that which his deeper, truer and quieter 
self condemns, or at least refuses to sanction (28:5.) Obey this still, 
small voice of duty within, and you will find peace, for God and truth 
are with it; resist it, and you cannot find peace, and even your suc- 
cesses in life will be but disappointing failures. 

28:3. How to Decide Perplexing or Disputed Questions of Present 
Duty. — Elaborate arguments and more simple word proofs are often 
exceedingly helpful (1) in finding out what it is probably best for us 
to do at some future time; (2) in deciding tentatively matters where 
mistakes can easily be corrected; and (3) when we are talking about 
matters which cannot be settled in any other way, and also in ex- 
plaining our conduct to others. — But in deciding questions of present 
duty, where conscience always stands ready to guide us, our final 
decisions, both great and small, should always have a surer and safer 
basis than mere word proof can possibly furnish. In these a quiet, 
honest, unexplained Yes or No or "I don't know," [or "Uncertain"]: 
is the only safe answer to give; for the simplest and quietest answer, 
if honest, will most nearly express the leadings of our deeper, better 
life, and bring us nearest to God and right. As to our duty when 
the answer is "I don't know," see 28:5 and 6. 

28:4. Godliness and Love of Right. — Be sure and never separate 
these two; for true godliness without love of right is impossible; and 
trying to do right, without often asking God's help, is but a sad grop- 
ing in the dark. For without His help we are very weak, but in Him 
we are strong; and the way which he approves, though sometimes- 
hard, is always pleasantest, if we enter on it willingly. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 25 

28:5. Conscience is Never Silent. — One of the most fatal mistakes a 
good man can possibly make is to suppose that there are times when 
conscience is silent and he must trust to guess-work or a mere "I 
think so." For whenever conscience is silent in regard to some ques- 
tion which we consider of great importance the real reason is that it is 
already pointing to some other duty which we are not willing to recog- 
nize as such but which must nevertheless be attended to first. And 
yet if we really wish to find the right and best way, it is at just such 
test points as these that we must follow the leadings of conscience 
most carefully, however trifling and unimportant those leadings may 
seem. And if instead of pressing our pet question we turn and ask 
other more simple and more seemingly trifling questions, the clear 
Yes and No of conscience will soon sound out very clearly to guide us. 
For help in starting see next paragraph. 

28:6. What to Do When You Are Sure ; and What to Do When You 
Are Not Sure. — If you are really sure you are doing right (28:3) go 
ahead fearlessly, even if you can't prove in words that you are right; 
and the consequences, whether pleasant or not at first, are sure to 

prove helpful to you and others. But if you are not sure, stop at 

once, and, laying aside for a season most of your bigger plans and 
ambitions, give yourself up for a while to earnest, quiet watching 
(101:3) or to other more simple tasks and duties, each of which will 
help at least a little and be sure to do no harm. Then the 
path of duty will be sure to grow clear and pleasant again, though 
it may in some ways be quite different from what you had supposed 
it would be and may leave unanswered for a long time some ques- 
tions which you would like to have answered very quickly. But be 
careful not to sit in idleness; and also don't try to straighten matters 
out by guess-work, for you never can; though you may think for a 
while that you have. ' 

28:7. Tired of Doing Right. — When you find yourself getting tired 
of doing right (that is to say "sick of it" or "disgusted with it") you 
will always find on closer study that what you call "doing right" is 
either a dishonest sham or an honest misconception; and you either 
never had the genuine article or have got some part of it badly twist- 
ed and changed. For we never get tired of anything which we are 
doing in a really wise and right way. — And if you will be careful J not 
to do so many things partly or wholly by guess work and 2 will use 
more carefully what little light you have, your enjoyment of right 
doing will be sure to return again, as soon as you get really staited 
once more, in thought and deed on the right road. Also see 61:6. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



26 THE BETTER WAY 



28:8. Conflicting Duties. — Two duties, AB and CD, seem to con- 
flict. What can we do? Turn aside for a while and eagerly, prayer- 
fully watch for more light.. Then go busily to work planning out 
only a few short steps at a time, and always doing. first the work to 
which your quieter, deeper self first points, even if it seems to be the 
less important. And when later on you look back on a day's or year's 
duty done and enjoyed you will find that it was not.AB or CD, but 
a mixture of the two, BC, with a part of each left out. 

28:9. Seemingly Impossible Duties. — If the call of duty is clear, go 
ahead, no matter how great the difficulties or seeming impossibilities; 
for the way is sure to open so that you can do all that God intends 
to have done now, or asks you to do. But if you are not sure that 
duty calls you to the untried path, you have no right to enter it, now 
at least, however tempting and full of promise it may be; for your 
duty, for to-day at least, lies in less showy fields. 

28:10. Apparent Confusion Between Right and Wrong. — The reason 
why there is at times so much apparent confusion between right and 
wrong is that in our ignorance, 2 haste or 3pride we have called some- 
thing right that is really wrong, or something wrong that is really 
right. Then the confusion begins, and never wholly ends, till we 
patiently hunt up and correct our mistake. See 28:6. 

28:11. When Not to Stop for Word-Proofs and Explanations. — First, 
when you are obliged to act very quickly, second, when tempted; 
and third when very tired. At such times be sure you are right be- 
fore you act, (that is to say be honestly sure that your quieter, better 
self approves of your x doing as you do, and 2 doing it now,); but 
don't stop to talk or think much about it or to ask why it need be 
done; for many words and much thinking are only a source of weak- 
ness and confusion at such times as these. 

28:12. "Is the Right Way Always Easy and Pleasant?" — No it is 
not always easy; for there are some very hard places in it. But it is 
generally easy; and all the hard places in this path of duty are but 
stepping stones to some special blessing later on, generally unseen 
at the time. And you will also find that the hardest places in life, 
and all the seemingly unbearable ones, are of our own making, 
when for a season our trust in God or right grows dim. — "But is it a 
pleasant way?" Yes, for him who walks in it willingly; especially 
when he learns not to have seasons of distrusting conscience and dis- 
obeying God. And it grows pleasanter and pleasanter year by year; 
whereas the wrong way grows less and less pleasant as the days and 
years roll by. Also see 45:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 27 



28:13. Are You Really Trying to Do Right? — The question is an 
important one; for we often half deceive ourselves and think we are 
when we are not; and when we are really willing to do right, Step 
by Step, we generally find that the right way is pretty plain for at 
least a few steps ahead and not as hard as it seems; but, rather, full 
of comfort. 

28:14. "Blessed are the Pure in Heart." — Yes, "Blessed are the pure 
in heart; for they shall see God," (Mat. 5:8); and if they *see Him, 
they can't help trusting and loving and enjoying Him. Yet it is not 
enough that our purposes alone be true\ though that is our greatest 
need. We must come near enough to Him to be Wise as well as 
good. For dirt is dirt, even if we honestly think it is gold; and folly 
is folly, even if we think it wisdom. See 100:2. 

28: IS- Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Godliness, Help- 
fulness and Love; Happiness and Example; Business and Home; 
and scores of others; for a right and happy life is very many sided. 
For the opposite of Doing Right see Doing Wrong. 

Also see Things That Look Right and Wise, but are not, 29; 1; 
Dreaded Duties, 30:1. Consequences of Doing Right (in detail) 
16:1. Fear of Consequences, 16:3. What Does God Require of Us? 
40:6. Goodness and Happiness, 45:1 and 8. Doing Right Cheer- 
fully, 28:12 and 45:8. About Trying and Not Trying, 99:1 and 2 and 
102:2. Loving and Enjoying the Right, 13:3 and 47:10. The Final 
Decision, 28:3. — For "I think it's right," "I can prove it's right," "I'm 
sure it's right," (said rather conceitedly) and "Blank says it's right," 
see 28:2 and 29:1. 

DOING WRONG. (29) 

29:1. Things That Look Wise and Right ; But Are Not. — There are 
some wrong and foolish things which we keep on doing through 
sheer desperation, or in moments of excitement, though we are sadly 
aware that it does not pay. On these we have touched, under Rest- 
lessness, Recklessness, Besetting Sins, and Doing Wrong in Little 
Things (29:2 and 3). But there are also some wrong and foolish 
things that to a hasty or surface look seem perfectly harmless or even 
helpful. The only way to learn to recognize and avoid these doubtful 
thing is to ask yourself oftener and more carefully the double question, 
"Is it right for me to do this at all? and is it right for me to do it 
now?" and to insist on watching very quietly, or simply saying "No, 
No, No," etc. rather slowly until you can answer both questions with 
a simple, quiet, unhesitating Yes, or cheerfully and successfully turn 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



to some less showy task (102:5, 96:1, etc.). But if you find yourself 
in doubt, or relying on mere word-proofs to convince yourself that 
you are right, then beware; for there is something wrong and harm- 
ful in it somewhere. 

29:2. Doing Wrong in Little Things. — Doing wrong in little things 
has ruined more lives and saddened more hearts than doing wrong in 
great ones. For few men are blind enough to deliberately do wrong 
in great things; but we are all tempted in little ones. 

29:3. But Why Not Do Wrong in Little Things? — First, because it 
often turns out that they are not as little as they seem; and secondly, 
because doing wrong in little things makes us powerless to do right 
in many greater ones, until we stop doing wrong in the little ones. 
Also see 100:4. 

29:4. The Wrong Doings of Good Men. — When those who really 
love the right fall into sin God does not leave them; but He punishes 
them, and sometimes the punishment has to be very severe; for when 
good men get into the dark, or get to going by guess-work, they are 
apt to be very willful. 

29:5. Yesterday 's Wrong-Doing. — The wrong-doings of yesterday 
may bring great pain to-day; but they can never deprive us of our 
deeper peace of mind, unless to yesterday's wrong-doing we are in 
some way adding others to-day; and when we stop doing wrong now, 
our peace of mind is sure to return, however dark and foolish yester- 
day may have been. 

29:6. Manly Repentance. — When you find you are in the wrong, 
the sooner you turn round and begin again more carefully and more 
prayerfully, the better it will be for you, if a happy or useful life is 
what you are aiming at. 

29:7. Success in Doing Wrong. — Success in doing wrong hardly 
deserves the name of success; for it only makes a man more restless 
and unhappy than ever. (Also see 28:12.) 

29:8. Changing Lts Name. — You cannot make a wrong thing right 
by changing its name. 

29:9. Well Meant Folly. — Yes, God will forgive well meant folly; 
but he' is too good and wise, to cancel all its painful consequences. 
Then let us be sure that we mean right; but also that we are right. 

29:10. Being a Fool or Being Called a Fool. — It is not pleasant to 
have others call you a fool; but its a great deal better than being a 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 29 

fool. But as this world goes we are quite often forced to choose one 
or the other. Which shall it be. Be sure and choose right. 

29:11. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Selfishness, 
Guess Work and Excuses; Restlessness and Recklessness; Habit, 
Besetting Sins, Consequences and Unhappiness. — For opposites see 
Doing Right. Also study carefully "Our Thoughts," (Section 96) 
Rebuke, etc. 

Doing Wrong Defined, 28:2. Consequences of Doing Wrong, 100: 
r and 2 and 16:2. Misplaced Pride, 77:1. Doing Wrong to Please a 
Friend, 39:2. Doing Wrong in "One Little Thing," 100:4. Truth 
and Error, 98:4 and 5. 

DREAD. (30) 

30:1. The Causes of Dread ; and How to Lessen It. — When you 
dread a piece of work you will often find that the dread is only nat- 
ure's persistent protest that you ought not to do it, now at least, 
though you think you ought. At such times the dreaded purpose 
should either be abandoned or else postponed till a more proper time. 
(See 28:6 and 73:1.) But sometimes the dreaded task is clearly a 
duty. What then? Why even then you will always find that some- 
thing untrue or unnecessary has got mixed in with your truer x plans 
and thoughts; and a few slight changes in your plans and thoughts, 
if carefully made, will remove, or at least greatly lessen the dread. 
You should also be careful at such times to leave a great many mat- 
ters of detail undecided; for the attempt to decide them now would 
only cripple you by increasing your dread and mental confusion. 
You should also try to throw in some pleasant little extra which will 
help you in getting started. 

30:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Burdens, Difficul- 
ties and Perplexity. Also study Prayer. For still others see Fear of 
Consequences, 16:3. Going Against the Grain, 15:2. Hating Our 
Work, 31:1. Learning to Love Our Work, 102:4. Cutting Our Plans 
in Two, 71:2. When to Do Disagreeable Work, 102:3. What to Do 
When you Are Not Sure, 28:6. Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. Watch- 
ful Silence, 101:3. 

DRUDGERY. (31) 

31:1. Why Do We Sometimes Hate Our Work? — Work may very 
properly be hard and disagreeable; but when it seems like drudgery, 
or worse you will always find either that you are doing it 'very aim- 
lessly or very 2 blunderingly or else 3you have got your mind filled 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



3 o THE BETTER WAY 



with unkind and unfriendly thoughts about some of those for whose 
good you are doing it; and whichever be the cause, a little honest 
watching at these three points will almost always show where the 
trouble lies, and help you in doing better. For the more ot love and 
hope and skill you put into your work the more you will enjoy it. — 
Also see 18:2. 

31:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Criticising Too 
Much, 54:3. Misusing Our Ideals, 5-2:1. Restlessness, Dread, Guess 
Work, Temper, Anger, Discontent and Unhappiness. — For opposites 
see Love, Forgiveness, Enthusiasm* and Earnestness*. 

Work That Makes Us Cross, 18:2. Two Fools Instead of One, 92: 
4. Casting the Blame on Others, 106:1. Really Trying to do Right, 
28:13. Trying to Do Your Best, 99:1. Cutting Your Plans in Two, 
71:2. When to Do Disagreeable Work, 102:3. Learning to Love 
Your Work, 102:4 and 6. . 

THE EASIEST WAY. (32) 

32:1. When Not to Choose It. — Yes, the right way is generally an 
easy way but every easy way isn't right; for sometimes the right way 
is very hard for a while, though crowned with a richreward. So never 
choose the easiest way till you are sure it's right. For the right way 
is always the best and most satisfying; and as you slowly learn to do 
more and more of your work just right even the hard way will grow 
easier; for in heaven nothing is hard. 

32:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Guess Work, 
Carelessness and Wrong Doing; Rest, Pleasure* and Day Dreams; 
also Suffering and Difficulties. Using Weak Arguments. 4:2. Let- 
ting the Weeds Grow, 15:3. Despising Little Opportunities, 67:1. 
Making the Right Way Seem Too Easy, 28:12 and 47:7, Putting 
Things off Till Tomorrow, 73:1. Trying to Forget in the Wrong 
Way, 96:1 and 80:1. Learning to Love One's Work, 102:4. 

OUR EVENINGS. (33} 

33:1. — Four Important Duties and Privileges. — "The day is for labor; 
the evening for rest, inspiration and home." Let each have its share; 
for all of these are necessary to a healthy, happy life. (Also see 
28:12.) 

33:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Rest and Home; 
Books and Cheerfulness. — Home Loving Hearts, 49:1. Making 
Home Bright, 49:2. Unwise Ways of Spending Our Evenings, 84:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 31 

The Love Test, 102:6. Spending Much Time With Your Children, 
14:12. Runaway Thoughts, 96:1 and 101:3. 

EXAGGERATION. (34) 

34:1. A Most Dangerotis Habit. — Beware of even the most seem- 
ingly harmless exaggerations and twistings; for the habit is one 
which grows rapidly; and the worst of it is that the exaggerator after 
a while comes to believe, for the fatal moment at least, some of his 
most harmful exaggerations. 

34:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Dread, Gossip, 
Guess Work, Worry*, Pride, Restlessness, Discontent and Excuses. 
— For opposites see [Accuracy] and [Truthfulness]. — Also see Ex- 
aggerating Our Misfortunes, 63:1. Truth and Error, How Related, 
98:4, 5 and 6. How Habits Grow, 44:1. Silent Watching, 101:3. 
Just Criticism, 54:6. 

EXAMPLE. (35) 

35:1. "Looks and actions speak louder than words." 

35:2. A Good Example. — If your life is lovely and true, a great 
many people will find it out after a while, and will gratefully, though 
often silently, love and honor you for it, even if you are one of the 
poorest or richest persons in the whole neighborhood. — And even if 
your life is not lovely yet, if it is slowly becoming a little more so 
day by day or year by year, this also will be known and remembered. 
No, my friend, you do not live alone, however lonely some parts of 
your life may be. Oh, how many lives that have silently helped me 
and others do I recall as I write these words. — No; love and trueness 
can never be lost. 

35:3. Learning by Example. — Men are slow to learn by the failures 
of others; but by the success and wisdom and goodness of others we 
all learn something every day, though it often takes a long time to 
get it into practice. 

35:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Helping Others, 
[Hindering Others,] Friendship, Leadership, Life, Home, Books and 
Consequences. Also see Influence* and Advice. 

Discouraged But Not Useless, 26:3. Winning Others to Christ by 
Our Example, 56:2. Our Example at Home, 14:9, 10 and 6. Learn- 
ing to be Happy by Example, 45:2. Living the Truth We Love, 
47:5. Sowing Seeds of Kindness, 55:4. The Love Test, 102:6. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



32 



THE BETTER WAY 



EXCUSES. (36) 



'I Can't Do Much," 47:2. 

'I Can't Help It," 7:1 and 29:5. 

'I Can't Tell What's Right," 28:5 

and 6. 
'I Did It Just For Fun," 62:1. 
'I Don't Know How," 102:2. 
'I Hate It," 31:1, 
'I Haven't Time," 97:1. 
'IjHave No Chances," 67:1 and 2. 
'I'm Tired of It," 28:7 and 61:6. 
'I'm Better Than He Is," 54:9, 
'I've Got To," 102:1. 
'It's Some One Else's Fault That 

I'm so Unhappy," 100:1. 



"It's True, Anyway," 98:1 and 2 
and 41:1. 

"It's Only a Little Thing," 29:2 
and 3. 

"It's Too Late," 67:2 and 19:1. 

"Blank Wants Me to Do It," 39:2. 

"They Ought to See The Point," 
98:2. 

"John Says It's all Right," 28:2. 

When to Distrust a Thought, 
96:2. 

Also see Exaggeration and [Ly- 
ing]- 



FORGETTING. (37) 

37:1. Why Is It We So Often Cant Forget? — To forget or else pur- 
ify some harmful memory or thought in which we have been foolish 
enough to be once interested is no easy matter. And yet if you are 
really and wholly willing to forget it, you will find it much easier to 
forget or purify it than you had supposed; for a secret unwillingness 
to wholly forget is always one of the chief causes of our remember- 
ing such things so long and so often. It is this unwillingness to for- 
get which we must first get rid of. 

37:2. But Why Is It We So Often Forget When We Dont Want To? 
— Yes, even when we are trying to remember? Here again a secret 
half-heartedness and self-contradiction is often the cause; for we are 
not heartily and thoroughly interested in the things we forget. But 
that is not always the reason; for often there is a deeper cause, and- 
our forgetfulness is nature's way of preventing Overwork and Un- 
wisely chosen work, or compelling us for a while to give our undi- 
vided attention to some other matter which we had supposed less im- 
portant and would gladly neglect! Then let us not be hasty in con- 
demning ourselves or others for forgetfulness, even when some of its 
consequences are rather painful. For though it is always an evidence 
of conflict, it quite often indicates that a man's wiser self is slowly 
gaining the victory over well meaning, but mistaken guess work. 



For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 33 

37:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Causes of For- 
gettulness; sometimes Perplexity, sometimes Overwork* and some- 
times Carelessness. Also see Thought, Truth and Study. — Trying 
to Forget the Hard Things, 89:3. Keeping a Book of Remembrance, 
12:3. How to Silence Unhappy Memories and How Not to Do 
It, 80:1 and 96:1. The Secret of a Good Memory for Essentials, 8:1. 
Forgotten Advice, 1:5 and 53:1. 

FORGIVENESS. (38) 

"If you are unwilling to forgive others, 
your Father cannot forgive you." 

(Paraphrase of Matt. 6:15.) 

38:1. What is Forgiveness? — The word forgive is used in two dif- 
ferent, though closely related, senses; one is, to free, wholly or in 
part, from punishment. There are men who are not entitled to for- 
giveness in this sense of the word; and even God himself may be said 
to sometimes refuse to forgive, (Matt. 6:15). But in modern Eng- 
lish the word most generally means, To feel no ill will, but rather a 
friendly pity, for one who has wronged us. In this sense it is our 
duty to forgive every one who has wronged us, and also a most blessed 
privilege. But let us remember that it is not enough to simply say, 
"I forgive him;" we must really do it, down to the very bottom of 
our hearts. Then comes the blessing; and the peace of a noble life. 

38:2. "But How Can I Forgive?" — The only way, that I know, of 
learning to really forgive those who have wronged us, is to draw near- 
er and nearer to God in J prayer and 2 love and sdaily life; and so get 
full of His spirit. Then forgiveness is easy and pleasant; for God 
is our helper and friend. 

38:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book.— -Love, Pity, Pa- 
tience and Bearing Wrong. Also see Differences of Opinion, Help- 
ing Others and Rebuke. — For opposites see Temper, Crossness, 
Drudgery and [Hatred]. 

Dangers of Exaggeration. 34:1. Are You Really Trying to For- 
give, 28:13.^ Why Is It So Hard to Forget? 37:1. Unhappiness and 
Forgiveness, 100:1. How to Make the Surest Progress in Learning 
to Forgive, 3:6. Keeping a Book of Remembrance, 12:3. Going 
Into Repentance Corner, 14:11. Speaking Kindly, 54:4. How to 
Stop Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. How to Deal With Wrong Doers, 
79:1. Watchful Silence, 101:3. Some Helps in Forgiving, 5:1 and 
3:4. Some Evidences of a Forgiving Spirit, 3:2. The Love Test, 102:6. 
Forgiveness a Test of True Friendship, 39:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



34 THE BETTER WAY 



FRIENDSHIP. (39) 

39:1. True Friendship. — "A true friend loveth at all times." [Prov. 
17:17.] Let us not apply this to our neighbors; but rather remem- 
ber it and profit by it ourselves; for even the best of us will find 
times when our love for some people gets pretty dim. Ah, then is 
the test, then the time to pray and forgive, and really prove that we 
can be true friends. 

39:2. When Our Friends Ask Us to Do Wrong, Shall We Do It? — It 
sometimes happens that our friends are our tempters, asking us, 
urging us to do what is wrong. At such times the temptation to 
yield is very strong, for love and friendship are very dear, to the 
heart andwe long for the approval of our friends. But yielding is 
fatal and tvrong ; for it makes us the slaves of our worst friends (those 
whom it would be well for us to lose), and brings the. seeds of bitter- 
ness and disappointment into our best friendships. But by resisting, 
in a firm, but friendly way we make our selfish friends take off their 
masks and show us their real character; and make our truest friends 
love us all the more, after a while, even when most disappointed. 

39:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love, Sympathy, 
Courtship, Godliness (or Friendship with God) Helpfulness, Children, 
Home and Jesus. — Also see Books, Loneliness, Pity and Example. 

Words Alone Not Enough, 55:1. Importance of Showing Our 
Love Wisely, 61:3 and 4. When to Take a Friend's Advice, 1:1. A 
Mother's Friendship, 49:4 and 5. Spending Much Time at Home, 
49:1, 14:12 and 33:1. Thinking Often of Our Best Friends, 45:2. The 
Secret of a Happy Life, 45:8. Friends in Heaven, 46:1 and 65:1. 

GODLINESS. (40) 

40:1. God is Our Friend. — Remember that God is your friend; yes, 
remember it all day long; for that is when you need His freely of- 
fered help. Only ask it truly; and you have it. But also see 9:1. 

40:2. How to Get More Trust in God. — First of all try honestly to 
do your duty day by day and hour by hour, as far as you can see it; 
secondly, watch for simple, natural ways of increasing your love for 
others, both great and small, both wise and foolish; thirdly, try not 
to mistake helpful guesses for certainty and helpful half-truths for 
perfectly correct statements of the whole truth; and fourthly, make 
an earnest effort to crowd out, or at least postpone, (28:6) all subjects 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 35 

of thought which perplex and upset you by other thoughts and other 
work which are at least harmless and healthy even if seemingly al- 
most useless. (See 28:6.) Then will you begin to clearly see God's 
hand in life and to feel your need of prayer; and your trust in Him 
will grow strong and hearty, even if at present you have but little 
trust or none at all. — And whenever men lose their faith in God, or 
talk about Him without really knowing Him, you will find that in one 
or more of these four essentials of a healthy manhood they have sad- 
ly failed. 

40:3. But is He a God of Love? — Yes He is; for the longer we 
really serve Hjm the more we love Him; and our love for God also 
increases our love for men. Is not this pretty good evidence that He 
is a kind and wise master? even though He is sometimes stern? Yes; 
and even the sternness changes to tenderness, as soon as tenderness 
can bring a blessing. 

40:4. God's Larger Blessings. — God does not give His larger bless- 
ings to everyone; but only to those who are willing to do their part 
day by day, and do it heartily and honestly; and are also willing to 
let alone His part. (See 9:1.) For to give His larger blessings to 
others would be folly and wrong; though for every man God has 
some blessings, such as are suited to his blindness and need. 

40:5. God's Way of Satisfying. — When we come to trust Him and 
let Him take the lead, God often gives us, not what we most long for, 
but what we deepest long for; and so He satisfies. For many of our 
surface longings would never satisfy us, even if we had the things we 
long for. 

40:6. What Does God Expect of You and Me? — God does not ex- 
pect you or me to do one whit more than we are able to, however 
little our ability may be. Only we should remember that at some 
point or other our ability increases every day; for each new day re- 
veals some litttle thing or other which we can do, but knew not of 
before, or at least did not know how to do properly. 

407. How to Really Glorify and Enjoy God. — If we wish to "glori- 
fy God and enjoy Him" and also wish to have our testimony as to 
God's love and the pleasantness of right-doing count for much, we 
must not be satisfied with testifying in only one or two ways, but must 
rather seek and find many waysoi testifying, all close akin, and yet 
all different. For in public acts and private acts, in rest and work, 
in weariness and energy, whether silent or speaking, in each of these, 
in all its forms, an overflowing heart will somehow testify; and if we 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



36 THE BETTER WAY 



J often walk with God, and 2 love to turn to Him for His rebuke and 
cheer, then will this testimony not only be varied, but also full of 
power, and our own life full of joy. 

40:8. Trusting God Only Half and Half. — You believe that God is 
willing to help you; but have you asked Him to do it? and are you 
really willing to let Him do it and let Him do it in the way He sees 
best? If not, it is no wonder your life is a weak and unhappy one. 

40:9. Trusting God in Things That Really Trouble Us. — It is easy 
to trust God in theory; it is easy to trust Him in things which do not 
press very closely on our daily life; but you will find that almost 
every day there are some things in which it is rather hard at first to 
really trust Him. Here it is that you need to do your most careful 
watching and praying, when the temptation is fresh upon you ; for vic- 
tory here is real victory, and brings real peace and strength, and 
helps you in really knowing your Father in heaven, and loving and 
trusting Him more nearly as He deserves. 

40:10. How to' Judge Religion Fairly. -^There are bad men and 1 
there are hypocrites and there are some very inconsistent good men, 
who are not half as good as you would suppose them to be. But if you 
wish to judge religion fairly, and see clearly what it can do for a man, 
you must look at those who l really love it and 2 love it a great deal; 
and if you are an honest, earnest seeker you will find a great many 
such, sooner or later. Then you will clearly see what true godliness 
can do and how good a thing it is. 

40:11. God Knows It All. — Let us be glad that God knows all our 
sins and faults; for without His help we never can do better. 

40:12. God's Care. — God cares for the world as truly when we are 
asleep as when we are awake. [C. c. Tracy] 

40:13. The Peace of God. — "Thou wilt keep him in peace, sweet 
peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." [Is a* 26:3, margin.] 

40:14. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Doing Right 
and Love; Jesus and Prayer; Holiness* and Purity;* and all the 
good things spoken of from one end of the book to the other; for in 
all of them godliness has an important part, even when the man 
Thinks and honestly thinks there is no God. — For different sorts of 
Ungodliness and Perplexity in regard to God see 40:2. 

Our Wiser Partner and the Help He Offers, 9:1. How to Get 
God's Help, 76:1 and 9:1. Trusting God in Times of Suffering, 89:2, 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE. HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 37 

6, 8, etc. Distrusting God, 40:8, 28:12 and 100:2. A Home Where 
God is Trusted, 49:3. Godliness and Hopefulness, 50:1. Godliness 
and Cheerfulness, 58:1. Godliness and Humility, 51:1. Godliness 
and Love of Right, 28:4. A Thankful Heart, 95:1. Trying to Do 
The Wrong Work or Godliness and Worry, 101:1, and Just What is 
God's Part? and What Is Mine? 9:2. 

GOSSIP. (41) 

41:1. May Be True and Still Be Gossip. — "Gossip is not always 
telling lies; the most hurtful kind is sometimes speaking of the 
wrong-doing of others unnecessarily ." For when we speak of such 
things unnecessarily, we poison our hearer's life; 2 degrade our own; 
and 3make it harder for the wrong doer to ever repent and do better. 

41:2. Unintentional Gossip. — Beware of unintentional gossip; for I 
am satisfied that we often wrong others and injure ourselves by gos- 
sip where we meant no harm at all. 

41:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book.— Guess Work and 
Exaggeration; Loneliness, Meanness and Selfishness; Thoughtless- 
ness* and Unhappiness; Recklessness and Misplaced Pride. — For 
opposites see Helping Others (Section 47) and Good News Finders, 
12:2 and 3. 

When to Criticise and When Not to Criticise, 54:1 and 2. Criti- 
cising Too Often, or at the Wrong Time and Place, 54:3. Meanness 
and Fun, 62:1. Two Fools Instead of One, 92:4. Your Tongue, 91:3. 
Applying the Love Test, 102:6. 

GRATITUDE. (42) 

42:1. One Way of Saying Thank You. — When some one does you a 
kindness and ycu do not see any way of returning it, be sure and pass 
it on to some one else. This is one of the nicest ways of saying 
Thank you I have ever seen. 

42:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Thankfulness, 
Friends .ip, Home, Happiness, Love, Prayer, etc. — For opposites 
see Ingratitude. 

Gratitude to God, Section 95. Gratitude and Suffering, 89:8. 
Gratitude to Our Parents, 49:5. A Smiling Thank You, 47:1. "Mam- 
ma Says Thank You; and So I Do," C:50. Keeping a Book of Re- 
membrance, 12:3. Our Little Blessings, 95:1. Set Words Not Al- 
ways Necessary, 90:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



38 THE BETTER WAY 



GUESS WORK. (43) 

43:1. Going by Guess Work. — Don't Go By Guess Work in decid- 
ing what it's right for you to do or not to do, and you will save your- 
self and others a great deal of trouble. — For though we cannot al- 
ways be sure whether our work will turn out just as we expect it, or 
not, we always can by wise and honest searching find a way which is 
clearly right, or at least a step in the right direction (28:3); and this 
is the way which always leads to blessing, especially when we walk 
it gladly. But guess work always brings restlessness first, and disap- 
pointment later. 

43:2. One of the Commonest Causes of Failure. — Look over your 
own past life and the lives of others and note the things in which you 
and they have made the worst failures, and you will find that in near- 
ly all of them there has been a large element of guess work. 

43:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book.— Restlessness, 
Exaggeration and Carelessness; Misplaced Pride (77:1) "and Harm- 
ful Day-Dreams, 20:2; Infidelity* and unwise forms of Thought (98:1 
and 6). — For hints as to the really safe and sure way, study the sec- 
tion on Doing Right. 

Choosing the Easiest Way, 32:1. Going by Mere Impulse, 15:1, 
last part. Using Weak Arguments, 4:2. Talking Too Much, 91:1. 
Guess Work in Matters of Duty, 100:2. Importance of Being Sure, 
102:5. What to Do When You Are Not Sure, 28:6. "I've Got to 
Go by Guess Work," 28:5. Doing Wrong in Little Things, 29:2 and 
3, and Things That Look Wise and Right, But Are Not, 29:1. 

HABIT. (44) .. 

44:1. How Habits Grow. — Habits, both good and bad, grow very 
slowly most of the time, with only an occasional start; but if you 
persist in loving a thing and longing for it, or even in liking to think 
about it and see it, its hold on you is sure to grow stronger and 
stronger, even if you seem to be no better or no worse than you were 
a year ago. And remember that this is just as true of good things as 
of bad; and the more deeply and humbly and prayerfully you love 
them and long for them the more they will uplift you, however great 
and hopeless the difficulties that lie in the way. 

44:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — For further light 
study Consequences (esp. 16:3,) Character, and Besetting Sins. — 
Also Books and Habits, 8:7. Letting the Weeds Grow, 15:3. Pre- 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 39 

paring For Success, 88:1. How to Overcome Bad Habits, 7:1 and 
3:6; and scores of others. 

HAPPINESS. (45) 

45:1. Goodness and Happiness. — The old saying, "Be good and 
you'll be happy," is not strictly true, as words are ordinarily used; 
for a man or woman may be really good (though not perfectly good,) 
and yet be very unhappy much of the time. (See 100:2.) But if we 
change it, and say that Doing right always makes us happier, then 
the words are strictly and grandly true; not only of saints and 
angels, but also ot the most weak and inconsistent person that ever 
really tried to do right and take a step honestly in the right direc- 
tion. But if we wish to find out how Much of happiness there can 
be in life, we must go on and Ask God's Help, and with His help 
take many steps in the right direction, though still taking them one 
by one, as the path of duty and of privilege is made plain to us from 
moment to moment, and day to day. 

45:2. Learning How to Be Happy by Example. — Be sure and study 
lovingly and often the best and happiest men and women you have 
ever known, and your own life will slowly drink in the secret of their 
happiness and become more and more like theirs. For though good 
men and women are often unhappy, because of the wrong things they 
mix in with the good ones, this much is certain, that the happiest 
men and women, though never perfect, are always good. These are 
the ones to study. 

45:3. Finding Happiness in Your Work. — The best place to hunt 
for ha'ppiness and the place where you will find most of it is in and 
around your regular work; and if you do your work with an eager de- 
sire to make other lives happier, and with a humble, hearty willing- 
ness to correct your faults as fast as you find out how it can be done, 
you are sure to find a great deal of happiness even in work which is 
very hard and disagreeable. 

45:4. Finding Happiness in Small Pieces. — You will also find that 
the most happiness and the purest happiness generally comes to us 
in a great many little pieces, from having done many little things 
wisely and well. 

415:5. Giving and Receiving Happiness. — The more you contribute 
to the happiness of those around you the happier you will be yourself. 

45:6. Longing for Happiness. — Longing for happiness is perfectly 
proper; the only question is whether we have sense enough to hunt 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



4 o THE BETTER WAY 



for it in the right way. For some of the ways men try only lead 
them farther aud farther away from the happiness they long for. 

45:7. Ability and Happiness. — It is not brains that makes men hap- 
py; but the right use of them. 

45:8. The Secret of a Happy Life. — Happiness comes most abund- 
antly to those who do right most cheerfully and fearlessly; for they 
are so busy J seeing good and 2 doing good and 3doing it wisely, that 
they see abundant reason for love and hope, and can soon stop wor- 
rying even on the darkest day; for God is near them. But if we 
wish to learn this secret we must learn to obey our wiser, better self 
with equal care in little things and in great. 

45:9. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Godliness and 
Goodness^ Helpfulness and Love; Cheerfulness and Thankfulness; 
Hopefulness and Success. Loving and Enjoying the Right, 13:3. Is 
the Right Way Always Pleasant? 28:12. Learning to Love One's 
Work, 102:4. Trusting God, 40:13 and 7. God's Way of Satisfying, 
40:5. Happy, Though Suffering, 89:6. God's Care For Us, 58:1. 
Poverty and Happiness, 74:1. Love. Happiness and Growth, 61:5. 
Prophetic Day Dreams, 20:1. A Study of the Bright Side of Life, 
16:1, — For opposites see Unhappiness and Discontent. 

HEAVEN. (46) 

46:1. Love and Helpfulness in Heaven. — Even in heaven we shall 
need love and help, and shall be called upon to love and help others; 
for heaven would not be heaven without the sweet privilege of help- 
ing and being helped. 

46:2. Things That Easily Remind Us of Heaven. (When We Think 
of Them Quietly and Fairly.) — Duty Done Willingly, 45:8 and 28:12. 
Work Well Done, 45:3. The Thought of God, 40:2. Christ's Life, 
Section 56. The Best Men and Women We Have Ever Known, 45:2. 
Loving the Truth, 98:7. Our Own Hungering for Truer Lives (Mot- 
to on Title Page). God's Overruling Providence, 58:1. God's Past 
Blessings, 95:1. Our Books of Remembrance, 12:3. 

Also [Nature,] Life and Beauty; Home and Friends; Love, Hope 
and Happiness; Rest and Work; Kindness and Children; Suffering 
and Prayer, Godliness and Jesus; and many, many others. 

HELPING OTHERS. (47) 

47:1. Only a Smile. — It was only a true hearted smile; but it 
brightened two lives, and still brightens them; for they cannot for- 
get it. [Suggested] 
For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 41 

47:2. "I Cant Do Much." — If you see how you can help some one 
else just a little, but don't see how you can do much, that is no ex- 
cuse tor doing nothing, or for doing your little in a cold or heartless 
way. For if you do it cheerily, lovingly and well,>the future will 
show that it counted for a great deal more than you supposed it would. 

47:3. "But Who Can I Help?" — Generally you can help those right 
around you; or at least be getting ready to help them later, on; for 
it is no easy matter and often takes long and prayerful training in 
the schools of love and self-control. And even when you cannot 
help those right around you, or in your discouragement think you 
can't, you can always keep yourself busily engaged getting ready to 
help others who are now far away, but will surely need your help 
some time. And so every moment from morning till night can be 
kept full of helpfulness and of gladness; for the two always go hand 
in hand. — See 47:10. 

47:4. Finding the Good hi a Man. — You can never make a man 
much better till you find something good in him and rejoice at find- 
ing it. 

47:5. Live the Truth You Love. — Live the truth you love; and even 
people who do not believe you are right will be helped and uplifted 
by your life. 

47:6. Give to Each the Truth He Needs To-day. — A bag of gold will 
not save a drowning man; a life preserver will not save a man who 
has the small-pox; and a sharp rebuke for past follies will not cure 
the sickness which those follies have brought on. — The lesson is a 
simple one; but oft forgotten. We must be careful to give to each 
some truth which he can use to-day; or even truth can do no good. 

47:7. Don't Make the Right Way Seem Too Easy. — For if you do, 
people will be sure to soon get discouraged in it; for it is not always 

easy. But this is only half the truth, though a very important 

half. The other half is that you should show them very plainly 
by word of mouth and by example that the right way, if walked in 
heartily, is a very, very pleasant way. (See 28:12.) 

47:8. Don t Forget to Smile. — Don't forget to often smile, truly and 
brightly, at those you love. Simply Doing for them is but a very 
small part of your duty, though it seems to take most time; and if 
you can't see anything to smile about, then one of your first and 
most urgent duties is to eagerly and prayerfully hunt for something; 
for a love that long loses sight of the bright side of life is sure to be- 
come crippled and blind and weak. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



42 THE BETTER WAY 



47:9. Put Your Pride in Your Pocket. — Put your pride in your pock- 
et, when, for the sake of helping some one in need, your nobler self 
bids you patiently bear ill treatment; for time will surely square up 
accounts; and God's ways, though seemingly slow, are very sure. 

47:10. Do You Really Enjoy Your Work?- — If you are doing your 
work wisely and heartily and well enough to be able to take some 
solid comfort in it day by day yourself, then you may be sure you are 
helping others too. But if you take little or no interest in your work, 
then you may be sure you are doing it unwisely, and are not doing 
much good either. (See 102:6.) 

47:11. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love, Friend- 
ship and Prayer; Example and H6me; Business, Teaching* and 
Leadershfp; Arguments and Advice; Criticism and Rebuke; Kind- 
ness and Sympathy; and many others, as nearly every page contains 
some suggestions on this topic. 

Also Laying up Treasure for Others, 8:3. Applying the Love 
Test, 102:6. Going Against the Grain, 15:2. Helping Those Who 
Are Tempted, 94:1. Importance of Showing Your Love Wisely, 
61:3 and 4. What to do When You are not Sure, 28:6. Sowing 
Seeds of Kindness, 55:4. How to Increase the Power of Truth, 98:2. 
How to Deal with Wrong Does, 79:1. Helping Each Other in 
Heaven, 46:1, and, in The Children's Corner, C:30 to 36. 

HINTS FOR HARD TIMES. (48) 

48:1. Hard Times Not Always Bad Times. — Yes, these are Hard 
Times! and as we have gone from door to door in a neighboring 
city and found scores of families wholly or partly out of work, we have 
been sadly impressed with the fact that these are indeed hard times. 
But hard times are not bad times for those who love the right. For 
God stands near each home and heart to turn the hardness into un- 
expected blessing. How good it is to know this, even before we can 
see what our part of the blessing is going to be. 

[The Better Way for July, 1895.] 

48:2. How to Start Up the Ladder. — One fish is better than none; 
poor pay than no pay. But learn to do your poorly paid job extra 
well and you are sure of a bettet one later on. For even in this 
blundering, selfish world the most careless and sleepy workman is al- 
most always the one who goes to the bottom first and stays there long- 
est; while the man who loves to do his best for himself and others is 
sure to gain ^influence, ^respect, ipeace of mind, and often ^riches as well. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 43 

48:3. How to Get a Job of Work. — If you want to get a job, don't 
say, "I can do anything," but go to work and give a definite list of 
things which you can do and do well, and don't be too long in giving 
it, and you will be ten times as likely to get your job. And it will 
often help matters along if you can point out some little half-hour's 
job which he has thought too little to be worth offering. This will 
often change No to Yes, and quite often will lead on to a larger job. 

But if you are asked to set your own price or to give some idea as 
to what pay you expect, be very careful not to set your money hopes 
at all high. For what you need most is a chance to prove that you 
are a good workman, or if you are not one now, that you intend to 
become one as soon as possible and have got the right stuff in you. 

48:4. Swapping Work. — Let your neighbors and friends know 
what kind of work you would like to have done; and let them know 
what kind of work you can do best; then occasionally swap work. 
Why waste so much time in doing work for which you are not fitted or, 
perchance, in doing absolutely nothing, just because you cannot get a 
chance to work for money, or cannot afford to always pay in money? 
Swapping work with your neighbors may not be as profitable and 
pleasant as having good steady work for which yov are paid in money, 
or as hiring others by the day or week; but it is a great deal better 
than doing nothing, or doing work which you cannot do well. 

48:5. Using Idle Moments. — Don't spend money for what you can 
make fairly well for yourself in your idle hours. Better work two 
whole days on it than lie idle two days and buy it for "only fifty 
cents." You will be fifty cents richer in cash and two days richer in 
that manliness and pluck which bring happiness now and 2 success 
later on. 

48:6. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. —Perplexity, Dis- 
couragement and Suffering; Poverty and Debt; Plans and Oppor- 
tunities; Business and Work. — Also Cheerfulness, Patience, Thank- 
fulness and Prayer. 

Exaggerating Our Misfortunes, 63:1. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. 
Despising Little Opportunities, 67:1. Keeping a Book of Remem- 
brance, 12:3. Remembering That God is Our Friend, 40:1. Look- 
ing at the Bright Side First, 58:2. Asking God to Bless our Suffer- 
ings, 8952. In Partnership With God, 9:1. Stopping Runaway 
Thoughts, 96:1. Spending our Time on Little Things, 59:3. Need 
of Self-Control, 3:5. Difficulties and How to Meet Them, 23:1. Don't 
Forget to Smile, 47:8. Don't Go by Guess Work, 43:1 and 2; and 
Don't Always Take the Easiest Way, 32:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



44 THE BETTER WAY 



HOME. (49) 

49:1. 'Home loving hearts are happiest.' 

(Longfellow; slightly altered.) 

49:2. How to Increase Our Love of Home. — Those who do most in 
wise and unselfish ways, to make home happy, are the ones who love 
and enjoy it most. 

49:3. A Home Where God is Trusted. — The happiest place on earth 
is a home where God is greatly trusted, loved and honored day by 
day and hour by hour. 

49:4. A Wise Mother s Smiles and Kisses.— She never let her boys 
forget that they are hers and must not get too old to welcome and 
return a mother's smiles and kisses.' And fortunate it was for those 
boys later in life; though at the time they were sometimes tempted 
to think mother foolish and to want to put her off. 

49:5. Writing to Mother and Father. — "When did you last write to 
your father and mother?" Be sure and don't let the time be too 
long; for you still need their help and they still need yours, even if 
you are twenty, thirty or even fifty years old, or have even concluded 
that you know some things better than they do! Then don't forget 
to write; for you r never can repay them all you owe; and 2 can never 
get to a point where you will not need some helps which they alone 
can give. [Yes, even if in some things they have misunderstood and 
wronged you.] 

49:6. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love and Friend- 
ship; Patience and Cheer; Work and Rest; Courtship and Marrying; 
Kindness and Character; Watchfulness and Sympathy; Burdens, 
Knowing Jesus, and Prayer; Evenings and Sundays; Children and 
The Children's Corner. A Poor Man's Home, 74:1. The Proper 
Use of Our Evenings, 33:1 and 84:1. Finding Happiness in Small 
Pieces, 45:4 Praying About Little Things, 76:1. Letting Your Light 
Shine at Home, 12:1. Applying the Love Test, 102:6. The Great 
Importance of Love and Wise Love, 61:3. A Love That Often 
Smiles, 47:8 and 1. Weary of Loving, 61:6. "In My Father's House 
Are Many Homes," C:io. Loveliness First; Money Second, 64:1, 
A Lonely Home, 17:3, and a great many others. 

HOPE AND HOPEFULNESS. (50) 

50:1. Let Us Be Hopeful. — Two men get into trouble; one says, 
"This will not last forever," and simply works more patiently, busily 
and wisely; the other only scolds or frets or gives up. Which, think 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE. HELPS EOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 45 

you, the more sensible of the two? Then go and do likewise. For 
an earnest, duty-loving hope is one of the most sensible and inspiring 
things in life, and there is always a bright future ahead for the man 
who is willing to wait on God and follow where God and duty lead. 

50:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love and Cheer- 
fulness; Godliness and Happiness; Insight* and Day-Dreams; Ideals 
and Plans; and, in the more careless forms of Hopefulness, a great 
deal of Guess-Work. — For opposites see Discouragement, Dread, 
Restlessness and Recklessness. 

Love of Right Makes Men Hopeful, 45:8. Reasons For Being 
Hopeful. 58:1 and 3. The Secret of Hopefulness, 40:13. How to 
Find the Bright Side of Pain, 89:2. It is Never Too Late, 67:2. God's 
Way of Satisfying, 40:5, and Nameless Hopes, 15:1. 

HUMILITY. (51) 

51:1. Goodness and Humility. — Whole-hearted goodness makes 
men humble; because it fills them with such high ideals and such a 
deep sense of their need of God. 

51:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Z?<w£.— Helpfulness, 
Forgiveness and Love. Also Bearing Wrong. The true opposites 
of Humility are not Pride and Ambition,* but Misplaced Pride (77:1) 
and Selfish Ambition (86: I and 2,) for both pride and ambition, 
though easy to abuse, are perfectly proper, when guided by truth and 
softened by love. 

Putting your Pride in Your Pocket, 47:9. Recognizing Your Own 
Faults, 12:5 and 14:11. Being Willing to Start at the Bottom of the 
Ladder, 48:2 and 3 and 10:2. Being Willing to Spend Time on Lit- 
tle Things, 59:3. Not Despising Little Opportunities, 67:1. Repen- 
tance, 29:6. Mistaken Humility, and How to Treat It, Section 26. 
Saying "I Can't Do Much," 47:2. 

IDEALS AND THEIR USES. (52) 

52:1. Even our Best Ideals May be Misused. — And whenever your 
ideals of what you can do, or ought to do, or of what others ought to 
do, begin to 'discourage you or make you 2 restless or across or 4 puffed 
up you should make haste to lay them aside for awhile, and turn to 
some simpler form of love-inspired work. For thus only can you get 
back to that truer way of thinking which will once more make your 
ideals a source of power and of blessing. 

52:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Insight,* Truth, 
Thought, Beauty, Plans, Day-Dreams, Love, Leadership and nearly 
For Full List of Topics See Index. 



46 THE BETTER WAY 



always some Guess Work, though this never reaches the real essence 
of our'deeper ideals. 

For Help in Ideal Building see Sections 87, 98, 28, etc. Studying 
the Ideals of Other Lives, 45:2. Nameless Ideals, 15:1. Conflicting 
Ideals, 28:8 and 22:1. Seemingly Impossible Ideals Are Not Always 
Really Such, 28:9. Honest but Mistaken Ideals, 29:1 and 9. Trans- 
lating the Ideals of Others, 54:8. Looking at the Bright Side First, 
58:2. Why are Our Deeper Ideals So Trustworthy, 58:1 and 3. Pre- 
paring for Success, 88:1, "Shall I Give Up My Ideals?" 61:6 and 26:2. 

INGRATITUDE. (53) 

53:1. Helps in Bearing It. — The man who slaps you in the face af- 
ter you have done him a real kindness in real love has not forgotten 
it; he is only trying to forget it. But in spite of all his efforts, the 
memory of it will remain; and is sure to do him good; 

53:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Discontent, Self- 
ishness, Restlessness, Recklessness, Unhappiness and Conceit.* Also 
Disappointment, Drudgery, Crossness, Temper and Excuses. — For 
opposites see Gratitude and Thankfulness. Also study carefully For- 
giveness, Loneliness, Rebuke and Bearing Wrong. 

Neglected Advice Not Always Lost, 1:5. The Ingratitude of 
Good Men, 29:4. Beware How You Call Things Little, 59:1. Try- 
ing to Throw the Blame on Others, 100:1. Trying to Forget a Kind- 
ness, 80:1. Praying Over It, 10:1. Returning Good for Evil, 5:1. 

JUDGING AND CRITICISING. (54) 

54:1. When to Criticise (In Thought and Word). — Only when you 
are honestly sure that you wish to do good by your criticism and 
that there is good reason to hope that good will come of it. For a 
criticism should not only be true, but also friendly, wise and helpful. 

54:2. When Not to Criticise. — Never criticise others J when you feel 
cross yourself; or 2 when you take an unfriendly pleasure in criticising. 

54:3. Criticising Too Persistently, Too Often o> at the Wrong Time. — 
Whenever you are inclined to dwell on the faults of others, even a 
single-moment longer than is plainly your duty, you are sure to make 
others hate the very truth you love and will also find that there is 
something badly out of order in your own life. And if you are not 
careful to guard against such over-criticising, your own life will grad- 
ually become mean and narrow, even in a good cause. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 47 

54:4. Speaking Kindly. — Speak kindly of others and you will be 
happier yourself; for even a man's faults can be spoken of kindly, 
and yet truly; and even the severest and most public rebuke may be 
full of a kindness which cannot be forgotten, though unnoticed at the 
time. 

54:5. Judging Wrong Doers Justly. — "He that is void of wisdom 
despiseth his neighbor," ( Prov. 11:12). But a true and wise man sees 
another's faults and wrong doings and at proper times and in proper 
ways rebukes and punishes him for them and still pities and helps him, 
tenderly and truly, in such ways as he can. For even when a man 
least deserves your respect; he needs help and pity, for he is sure to 
very unhappy. 

54:6. Is My Criticism Really Just? — This question honestly and 
willingly answered, with a simple Yes or No for an answer, will often 
stop a criticism in which apparently there is no flaw. For a very lit- 
tle injustice will often make it wrong and harmful, however much of 
truth there may be in it; and like poisoned bread it is no longer fit 
for use, even though it be made of the best of flour. 

54:7. — Seeing Only a Man's Faults. — It is easier to see a man's faults 
than his good points; and if we see only the faults, or if the faults are 
the only things that we can see clearly, it simply shows that our eyes 
are not as clear and sharp as they might be — in other words it is 
something to be ashamed of. 

54:8. Translating What They Say. — When an honest or even half 
honest man says something in your hearing that is untrue, or only 
half true, try to translate it in a friendly spirit into something that is 
true and helpful and sounds a little like what he has said. This will 
help you later on in correcting his misconception and will also put 
you on the track of many important truths which you might other- 
wise have wholly overlooked. 

54:9. Excusing Our Own Faults. (An Important Caution). — Be 
careful not to forget or excuse your own faults because some one 
else's faults seems a great deal worse; for happiness comes not from 
being better than your neighbor (even if you really are better), but 
from being each day a little better than you yourself were yesterday. 

54:10. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Insight* and 
Guess Work; Advice, Rebuke and Anger; Help and Pity; Differ- 
ences of Opinion and Disappointment; also Thinking and Talking. 
— For Unfriendly Criticism see Discontent, Crossness, Temper, and 
lists of Kindred Topics there given. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



48 THE BETTER WAY 



Why Honest Men Can Differ, 22:1. The Dangers of Exaggera- 
tion, 34:1. Love of Truth Misapplied, 98:8. Kind Words That 
Hurt, 55:3. Using Truth Unwisely, 98:1. How to Make a Rebuke 
Helpful, 79:1. Applying the Love Test, 102:6. Looking at the 
Bright Side First, 58:2. Hunting for Good News, 12:2 and 3. Find- 
ing the Good in a Man, 47:4. Watchful Silence, 101:3. "I Did It In 
Love," 61:8. 

KINDNESS. (55) 

55:1. Words Alone Not Enough. — Kind words are not enough. Your 
voice and looks and actions must all be kind; which they cannot be,, 
unless you really feel kind. 

55:2. Mistaken Kindness. — It is not true kindness to let any one, old 
or young, have what they ask for; unless it is good for them, and can 
be given without wronging anyone else. But our refusal should be a 
kindly one, though firm. 

55:3. Kind Words That Hurt, — Kind words sometimes hurt fear- 
fully; but it is a helpful hurt. But that is no excuse for unkind 
words; or for kindly meant ones that hurt one whit more than is 
really necessary. Yet if the words were kind, or half kind, let us be 
grateful for them, even if they were unwise. — And if they were un- 
kind, let us forgive them. 

55:4. Sowing Seeds of Kindness. — Kindness is what conquers; for 
kindness will slowly break even the most stubborn heart. Only be 
careful not to expect your reward too soon; for sometimes kindness 
is like winter wheat and you reap no harvest until long, long after 
the planting. Then do not be discouraged; for if you keep on plant- 
ing the seeds of kindness, and water them eagerly and often with love 
andjprayer, your harvest is sure to come. 

55:5. But What Is Kindness? — A kind person is one who loves to 
see others having a good time, and loves to Help them in having a 
good time; though no two persons can do this in just the same way. 

55:6. .■ Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Cheerfulness and 
Home; Patience and Sympathy; Love and Friendship; Goodness 
(Section 28) and Happiness; Forgiveness and Pity. — For opposites 
see Unkindness.* 

Kindness and Fun, 62:1. Kindness in Little Things, 59:3 and 1. 
Answering Questions Kindly, 14:8. "It Was Only a Smile," 47:1. 
Is It Really a Little Thing? 59:1. Kindly Criticism, 54:4. Set 
Words Not Always Necessary, 90:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 49 

KNOWING AND LOVING JESUS. (56) 

"By this shall all men know that ye are my 
disciples, if ye have love one for another." 

(Parting words of Jesus: as given in John 13:33.) 

56:1. Knowing Jesus Better. — "Come unto me and I will give you 
rest" is still what Jesus says to the weary and heavy laden. But you 
cannot know how good a friend He is. until you come very near to 
Him, and consult Him very often in all your joys and all your troubles. 
For He can help you at a distance, but you cannot enjoy Him. 

56:2. Helping Others to Know Him. — The more we love the Lord 
Jesus ourselves, the more our friends will feel their need of Him; and 
some day, sooner or later, they will confess their need, and go to 
Him for help. 

56:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Godliness and 
Goodness; Friendship and Love; Prayer and Example; Helping and 
Forgiving; Patience and Sympathy; Watchfulness and Truth; Suf- 
fering and Peace. Christ's Help in Times of Suffering, 89:1. Learn- 
ing by Example, 35:3 and 45:2. Praying about Little Things, 76:1. 
Happy Christians, 45:8. Blessed are the Pure in Heart, 28:14. The 
Love Test in Daily Life, 102:6; and scores of others. Also see Index. 

LEADERSHIP. (57) 

57:1. True Leadership. — The man who would help others on to a 
higher life, must be willing to often stand alone. But he must also 
be clear sighted enough to convince and lead men on when at last 
they reach a point where they feel their need of help. 

57:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Ambition,* Ad- 
vice, Discussion,* Example and Helping Others. Also study sec- 
tions on Children and Prayer. 

How to Become a Leader, 10:2 and 88:1. Helps in Using Truth 
Wisely, Section 98. Translating What Others Say, 54:8. Hints for 
Your Study Life, Section 87. Importance of Self-Control, 3:5. How 
to Meet Difficulties, 23:1 and 101:3. Guess Work and Failure, 43:1 
and 2. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1; and scores of others more or less 
directly. 

LIFE. (58) 

58:1. The Bright Side of Life Explained.— "All things work togeth- 
er for good To Them That Love God. (Rom. 8:28.) Yes, ?all things, 
even the most painful. h But the more we love Him, the greater will 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



50 THE BETTER WAY 



be the blessing; for sometimes our love is so small that the blessing 
cannot be very great. Yet even to the very faintest love some bless- 
ing is sure to be given. * 

58:2. Looking at the Bright Side First. — There are a great many 
things in life that are a strange mixture of something lovely and in- 
spiring and something crooked and disheartening. When we come 
to such as these what shall we do? Always stop and take a thank- 
ful, prayerful look at the bright side first; then wrestle manfully with 
the other. But why? Why not take the dark side first? Simply 
because you cannot fight it out and doctor it successfully, if you do. 

But notice, I do not say ignore the dark side; that would be wrong 
and foolish. I only say, Take a good, earnest, look at the bright 
side first, then turn to the other; and strange to say you will 
find that it does not dishearten you as it did at first, though in some 
ways it may seem even darker than it did then. For the bright side is 
the one which is sure sooner or later to triumph; and by studying it 
closely we slowly unravel the mystery of life till it becomes a glad 
mystery and no longer a dark one. 

58:3. But Are You Sure There Is a Bright Side. — Yes I am; for it 
runs all through life. Only let us remember that a, man may see the 
bright and heavenly side of life, and be really sustained and helped 
by it, and yet be powerless to describe it in words, or to even prove 
to himself or to others that there is a bright side. For our intellect 
(or thinking and wording and proving faculty) is one of our weak- 
est and most blundering faculties; while reason, so-called (or the 
power to see and know), though often ignored and talked against, is 
one of the deepest and most far-reaching and reliable. Let us learn 
to turn to it for comfort and for guidance oftener than we do. 

58:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book.— A Study in De- 
tail of the Bright Side of Life, 16:1 and 46:2. A Study in Detail of 
the Dark Side of Life, 16:2. Our Deeper Life, 28:2, 15:1, 45:8, 76:2 
and many others. Our Thought Life, Sections 87, 96 and 98. God's 
Hand in Life, 58:1 and 76:5 and I. Suffering When Overruled by 
God, Section 89. Optimism and Pessimism, see index; Watchful- 
ness and Prayer; Happiness and Unhappiness; Right and Wrong, 
(Sees. 28 and 29) Death* and Heaven; and a great many others. 

LITTLE THINGS. (59) 

59:1. Beware How You Call Things Little. — Be very careful how 
you use that word little. For it often happens that things are not 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 51 

as little in real importance as they seem. — Above all be careful not 
to call anything little that is bringing confusion or darkness into your 
own life or some one else's. 

59:2. Little Minutes. — A minute a day makes six hours a year; and 
a minute of folly may bring hours of pain. Then don't despise the 
minutes. 

59:3. Spending Time on Little Things. — Don't stop to argue about 
little things. Don't even stop to do them, except when you can see 
that they will somehow make life brighter and better. But when 
they do help, don't be ashamed to do them, and to do them heartily 
and well. 

59:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Doing Wrong in 
Little Things, 29:2 and 3 and 100:4. Carelessness in Little Things, 
1 1 : 1. Despising Little Opportunities, 67:1. Finding Happiness in 
Little Things, 45:4. Praying about Little Things, 76:1. Little Bless- 
ings, 95:1. "I Can't Do Much," 47:2. Short Steps When Perplexed, 
28:6 and 69:1 and 2. Also Fussing,* Humility and Rest. 

LONELINESS. (60) 

60:1. A Cure for Loneliness. — Often bring to mind the dear ones, 
living and dead, some of whom are now so tar away, and ask God to 
help you to be true J to them and 2 to all the good things they have 
taught you. Then go quickly and quietly to your work (generally 
so'me very simple work); and put into that work all the wisdom and 
love you can; and soon you will find that the very memories which 
now make you so sad and weak are becoming a source of gladness 
and power. — Also see 45:2. 

60:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Disappointment, 
Discouragement, Suffering and Mourners. — For opposites see Cheer- 
fulness, Hopefulness and Watchfulness. 

When Cheer Grows Dim, 13:2. Going to God for Help, 9:1 and 
76:2. Knowing and Loving Jesus, 56:1. Lonely Sundays, 84:2. 
Books of Remembrance, 12:3. A Lonely Married Life, .17:3 and I. 
How to Stop Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. A Mistaken Use of Our 
Ideals, 52:1. How to Honor an Absent Friend, 42:1 and 49:2. 

LOVE. (61) 

61:1. Why Do We Love Men? — We love them for the good there 
is in them; even when it is sadly blighted. — Then seek out the 
good, and think of it oftener than you do, and love will spring up; 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



52 THE BETTER WAY 



even if side by side of the good you see a great deal that is wrong 
and faulty. 

61:2. How to Increase Our Love. — Love is like wheat; the more of 
it you plant, in a well-considered, careful way, the more you will have. 

61:3. Full of Love and Willing to Show It. — There are a great many 
ways of showing love, some of them wise and some foolish, some 
suited to one set of circumstances and some to another. But wher- 
ever we go love is needed; and there are always wise and natural 
ways in which it can be shown; and one thing is certain, the deeper, 
better and most lasting longings of our hearts can never be satisfied 
till we get J so full of love and 2 so willing to show it and 3so careful 
to show it wisely, that everywhere, at all times, and for every one, 

our love will in some way show plainly and wisely. But be sure 

and notice that word — wisely. For if we choose unwise and unnat- 
ural ways of showing love, both we and those we love are sure to often 
weary of it and lose much of its sweetness and many of its blessings. 

61:4. "But Hoiv Can I Learn to Show My Love Wisely f" — Just look 
out for the Fountain Head and keep it x pure and 2 true and 3full; then 
all will be well. For if the love is there in abundance, and you are 
e ager to show it and show it wisely, it will begin to show very soon, 
and will show more and more clearly and wisely as time goes on, 
though perhaps not in just the waysyou thought it would. 

61:5. Love, Happiness and Growth. — Whenever you find that your 
actions, words and thoughts are, hour by hour and day by day, filled 
with an earnest, humble wish to help others, in ways which your own 
deeper life approves, then you will also find that each new year of 
life is making you a little *wiser and 2 more useful and 3happy than 
you were before. 

61:6. Weary of Loving. — A person may of course get tired while 
doing love-inspired work, just as in any other; but if the work was 
really r done in love, and 2 wisely done, it will always be a cheerful and 

loving tiredness. And if you find that you are "weary of loving," 

and that the very name of love seems for the moment almost hateful 
to you, you will always find either that there has been very little love 
in your work, or else (more likely) that you have been showing it in 
unwise and unnatural ways. 

61:7. An Important Test of Love. — Can you rebuke or punish a per- 
son, or utterly disapprove of something they have done, and still go 
right on pitying and helping them, and do it gladly? If so, your 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 53 

love is indeed true and deep, and sure to bring down many a bless- 
ing both to them and you. 

61:8. "I Did It in Love." — You say you did it in love. Yes; but 
were there not some unworthy motives mixed with it? Look and 
see; for if there were, the love will not cover them, though it may in 
part counteract.. 

61:9. A Man Full of Love. [A picture.] K. was not talkative; 
but his mind was cram-full of kindly thoughts and plans for those 
around him; for unfriendly thoughts and thoughts of mere curiosity 
had become a thing of the past. 

61:10. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Friendship and 
Sympathy; Patience and Helping; Happiness and Home; Godliness 
and Knowing Jesus; Forgiveness and Pity; Kindness and Justice*; 
and many others; and in a somewhat different sense, Courtship and 
Marrying. — For oppositesseeSelfishness, Indifference* and [Hatred], 

Love as a Source of Happiness, 45:8. Love as a Test of Christian 
Discipleship, Sec. 56, motto. Lessons in Love, with God as Our 
Teacher, 40:3. Love for Christ, 56:1. Love in Heaven, 46:1. Love 
as a Motive in Business and Life, 10:1. Love of Home, 49:1 and 2. 
Loving Our Enemies, C:i3 and 70:1. The Love Test, 102:6. Put- 
ting Love Into Our Work, 102:4 and 6. Loving and Enjoying What's 
Right, 13:3 and 28:12. Pity Is One Form of Love, 70:1. Set Words 
Not Always Necessary, 90:1. 

MEANNESS. (62) 

62:1. Meanness and Fun. — "Don't mistake meanness for fun," True 
fun makes everybody laugh; meanness makes one person laugh and 
another cry. 

62:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Gossip, Ingrati- 
tude, Selfishness, Unhappiness, Temper, Excuses, Dishonesty, 
Thoughtlessness*, Recklessness and "Little Things." 

May Be True and Still Be Very Mean, 41:1. Beware How You 
Call Things Little, 59:1. "Your Tongue," 91:3. "But I Did It in 
Love," 61:8. The Love Test, 102:6. 

MISFORTUNES. (63) 

63:1. Exaggerating Them. — Take care not to exaggerate your mis- 
fortunes, and many of them will trouble you no longer. — Also see 

34:i. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



54 THE BETTER WAY 



63:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Misfortunes 
Are But Painful Blessings, 89:4 and 58:1 and 3. Why Should We 
Try to See the Bright Side? 58:2. How to Tell Whether We Are 
Misunderstanding Them, 98:6. Need of Watchful Silence, 101:3. 
Need of Self-Control, 3:5. Praying About Them, 76:1 and 2. Mak- 
ing Them Worse by Guess Work, 43:2. Trusting God Only Half 
and Half, 40:8. — Then for still other kindred topics' see Difficulties,. 
Suffering, Poverty and Hard Times — Also Disappointment and 
Restlessness. 

MONEY AND PROPERTY. (64) 

64:1. Loveliness First; Money Second. — Wherever you find a lovely 
mother and a loving father, you will always find a happy home. But 
you can often find good clothes and plenty of money where there is 
no home and no gladness. For money is a helpful and important tool 
for him who loves his fellow man; but is always a disappointing ciirse 
to him who gives it the first place in his life or thought. 

64:2. Riches and Poverty. — The poor are often rich; the rich are 
often poor; it is the man that counts. 

64:3. Kindred Topics in 'Other Parts of the Book. — Business and 
Work; Hard Times, Debt and Poverty; and Opportunities. For dis- 
honest use of money, see Dishonesty; for unwise uses of it, see Rest- 
lessness, Guess-Work, etc. 

Time versus Money, 48:5. Spending Money Too Freely, 15:5.. 
Our Currency and Bankruptcy Laws, see Appendix. Money Mak- 
ing as a Chief End in Life, 10:1. How to Tell Whether We Are 
Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. 

FORJMOURNERS. (65) 

65:1. Those Who Have Gone Before — .When little ones and older 
ones who have won and deserved our love go on before us, we may 
be sure that the same kind God is tenderly caring for them still, ac- 
cording to their need. And the more we learn to ask His help and 
trust in Him, the more comfort shall we find in this one simple 
thought that He still cares for them and us. 

65:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — See Suffering, 
Sympathy and Heaven; Darkness and Hope; Ideals and Loneliness; 
Knowing Jesus and Prayer. 

Praying Over It, 76:2 and 3. "How Do You Know There Is a 
BrightJSide to It?" 58:3. Disappointment is But for a Season, 24:1. 
Silent Sympathy, 90:1 and 26:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE. HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 55 

OLD AGE. (66) 

66:1: Old Folks 1 Opinions. — Old folks' opinions are not always 
right, by any means; but, if you've got much sense yourself, you will 
learn a great deal that's helpful from what they do and say; for even 
their mistaken opinions always point to some important truth. (22:1) 

66:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book.— Watchful Wait- 
ing, 101:2. Watchful Silence, 101:3. Helpful Day-Dreams, 20:1 and 
2. Helping Others by Example, 35:2 and 3. Mother and Father, 
49:5, 49:4 and 42:1. Knowing and Loving Jesus, Section 56. God's 
Way of Satisfying, 40:5, and many others. 

Also see Suffering and Peace*; Happiness and Unhappiness; Pa- 
tience and Impatience*: Hopefulness and Gloom*; Kindness and 
Unkindness*; Love and Selfishness; these and scores of others; for 
everything stands out more sharply in old age than in middle life. 

OPPORTUNITIES. (67) 

67:1. Life is Full of Them. — Life is full of difficulties and hindran- 
ces. But it is also full of opportunities. But the trouble is that we 
turn up our noses at many of the little opportunities, and so never be- 
come skillful enough to x find and 2 catch and 3keep and 4use the larger 
ones. — But if we use our little openings in an earnest, hearty, wide- 
awake way, and strive each day to become a little more skillful in use- 
ing them, we are sure to find larger opportunities and a wider influ- 
ence as the days and years roll by. 

67:2. Lost Opportwiities. — When one door of usefulness and peace 
is closed before you, through your own sins or the doings of others, 
you will always find that another opens. But no good can come of it, 
till you are willing to ^ook for it humbly and 2 enter it in love. Or, 
to state it differently, it is never too late to find happiness and hope 
and be a really useful man, if you will only do your part. For with- 
out your help even God cannot save you; but with your help he can 
and will. 

67:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. Business and 
Hints for Hard Times; Plans and Ideals; Disappointment and Diffi- 
culties, and many others; also see Adapting Ourselves to Circum- 
stances, 71:2 and 1. Preparing for Success, 88:1. Getting Started, 
48:3 and 2. Being Willing to Spend Time on Little Things, 59:3. 
Doing Right in Little Things, 28:1; Doing Wrong in Little Things, 
29:2 and 3; Need of Watchfulness, 96: motto. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



56 THE BETTER WAY 

PATIENCE. (68) 

68: i. A little bit of patience often makes the sunshine come. [Anon.] 

68:2. How Patience Grows. — Patience comes from trying to put in 
practice under difficulties what little love for others and trust in.God 
we have. Then, if we persevere, the love, the patience and the trust 
slowly grow stronger, till at last the ripened fruit is very beautiful 
and very, very sweet. 

68:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Hoping, Helping, 
and Forgiving; Happiness, Sympathy, Love and Pity; Bearing Wrong 
and Burden Bearing; and Difficulties. — For opposites see Restless- 
ness, Impatience,* Drudgery, Crossness, Temper, Discouragement, 
etc. — Also see Rebuke and Criticising. Patience as a Bond of Love, 
22ri. Patience Under Disappointment, 24:1, Patience in Little 
Things, 59:3. Patience Under Wrong, 5:1. Helps in Keeping Your 
Self-Control, 3:4. Going Into Repentance Corner, 14:11. Knowing 
Jesus, 156:1. Praying About It, 9:1 and 40:1. Waiting for Light, 
101:2. Watchful Silence, 101:3. 

PERPLEXITY. (69) 

69:1. Taking Short Steps.— Take short steps when in the dark, 
mentally or spiritually, and take them prayerfully and watchfully; 
and you are sure to come out into the light again, and come out a 
great deal nearer God and right than when you went in. 

69:2. But Dont Stand Still. — Yes, take short steps when in the 
dark, but be sure and don't stand still. For at such times there are 
many little things, in thought and word and deed, which can be done 
and need to be done, cheerfully and well, both for your own good and 
the good of others; and it is these little things which, with God's 
blessing and guidance, are the means of finally bringing us out again 
into a larger and purer light. 

69:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Darkness, Dread, 
and Difficulties; and often Guess Work, Haste,* and Overwork.* Also 
see Thought. — For the opposite of Perplexity see Clear Insight.* 

How to Decide Perplexing Questions of Present Duty, 28:3 and 6. 
What to Do When You Are Not Sure, 28:6. Spending Time on Lit- 
tle Things (Both a Cause and Cure of Perplexity!), 59:3. Praying 
About It, 76:1 and 2. Conflicting Duties.^ 28:8 and 9. Baffling Prob- 
lems, 87:4. Watchful Silence, 101:3. Using Truth Unwisely, 98:1. 
Runaway Thoughts, 96:1. Careless Thoughts; and Too Much Think- 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 57 

ing, 96: motto. When Not to Trust a Thought, 96:2 and 98:6. Beware 
How You Call Things Little, 59:1. Conscience is Never Silent, 28:5. 

PITY. (70) 

70:1. Pity Is But One Form of Love. — Remember that pity is one 
form of love; and where you cannot give the sweeter forms of love 
that cluster round affection you can give a wise and true pity, which 
punishes only to help and delights in helping even an enemy when it 
can. 

70:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Kindness and 
Love; Patience and Sympathy; Tenderness, Forgiveness and Help- 
fulness. The opposite of Pity is either Contempt* or else [Heart- 
lessness]. Pitying Wrong Doers, 54:5; How to Help Wrong Doers, 
79:1. How to Help Discouraged People, 26:1, Pity Must Be Wise- 
ly Shown, 14:6 and 55:2. Even Suffering Has a Bright Side, 58:1. 

f 
PLANS AND THEIR USES. (71) 

Plans are helpful in preparing for to-morrow; but nearly 
always need re-touching when to-morrow comes, espe- 
cially if your task is a very complicated one. 

7.1:1. Changing Our Plans. — The nearer we come to God the often- 
er will we have to change some of our plans, or stop planning for a 
season, so as to follow more closely where He leads. Yet we should 
not make any changes rashly; for, if we are willing to be led, the call 
of duty is sure, in due time, to be made very, very clear; and God 
never blesses fickleness or guess-work, however well meant, or well 
propped up by arguments. 

71:2. Cutting Them in Two. — Many well laid plans do not work 
well simply because they are too big, or at least too stiff and un- 
wieldy. But just cut them into two, three, five pr ten pieces and do 
a little trimming here and there, and after awhile you will have a 
really helpful and satisfactory set of plans. 

71:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Business, Ideals, 
Hopes, Day-Dreams, Thoughts, Difficulties, Discouragement, etc. 

Importance of Wise Planning, 102:8. How to Recognize Unwise 
Plans, 52:1 and 102:1. Having Too Many "Must Be" Plans, 102:1 
and 18:1. Rejoicing in God's Plans for Us, 9:1 and 2, and 24:1. Aim- 
lessness and Namelessness, 15:1. Going by Guess Work, 43:1 and 2. 
First Right, Then Quick, 78:1. Going Against the Grain, 15:2. What 
to Do When Not Sure, 28:6. Carelessness and Its Consequences, 1 1 :i. 
To-morrow's Burdens, 9:3. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



58 THE BETTER WAY 



POLITICAL PROBLEMS. (72) 

For National Protection Party Platform see Appendix. 

72:1. But Why Speak of Political Problems? — I admit that political 
problems are in some way not as simple as the problems of private 
life; but even here some truths are simpler than others and of more 
importance to the ordinary reader and voter. Such truths as these 
we wish to discuss in this department, whenever we feel that their 
importance has not as yet been properly recognized. But on such 
problems silence is better than hasty utterance; hence our list is as yet 
very short. 

Our Temperance Laws. 

72:2. " Make the Town Pay Damages. — If any community are foolish 
enough to license the liquor traffic in their midst, or are proven in 
court to be remiss in their efforts to check it, when not licensed, our 
state laws shoulcrbe so altered that every family which is partially 
or wholly deprived of its support by the drinking habits of some of 
its members can,' after making proper protest, collect ample monthly 
damages from the town or city licensing or tolerating such traffic 
provided its protest is unheeded. But why from the town and not 
simply from the liquor dealer? Because the town is also responsible 
for the damage done; and we ought to fully recognize this fact; and, 
secondly, there are thousands of cases where the responsibility of the 
town and city government could easily be proved, where it would not 
be possible to fix the responsibility on any one liquor dealer. Also 
see Page 7 of Appendix. 

• 
The Monroe Doctrine. 

The following suggestions were written in December, 1895, when 
the question as to the proper way of settling the disputed boundary 
line between Venezuela and British Guiana threatened a serious mis- 
understanding between the United States and England and the papers 
were saying many true and helpful things and many untrue and fool- 
ish ones about the Monroe Doctrine and our rights and duties as a 
nation. 

72:3. The Monroe Doctrine and Some of the Truths Which Cluster 
Around It. — We do not intend to ask here just what the Monroe Doc- 
trine so called really is or was or ought to be. A question of more 
vital importance just now is this: Exactly what are the. rights for 
which we may justly and wisely ask recognition at present? Is it 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 59 

that we, the people of the United States, claim it as our sole and sa- 
cred right to tyrannize over lesser American powers, as many believe 
that we once did in settling the disputed boundaries of Texas? If 
so, then our claims are justly contemptible; and we cannot expect 
foreign nations to recognize them. But if our claim is this: That in 
the interests of liberty and self-government no American power shall 
be forcibly deprived of any of its territory, or even of territory over 
which there is a dispute, then we are right; and I believe that Eng- 
land and later on other European powers will admit the justice of 
our claim. But if we wish them to do this we must prove our sincer- 
ity beyond a doubt by heartily advocating a settlement of the Vene- 
zuela dispute somewhat as follows: That we (Great Britain, the 
United States and Venezuela), do mutually pledge ourselves not to 
forcibly deprive any American power of any portion of its territory, 
and to settle all questions of disputed territory between ourselves 
and any other American power by arbitration when other peaceable 
methods fail. — Then we will have taken a long step toward advanc- 
ing the cause of justice and right, and securing a wider international 
recognition for some of the most important truths and rights which 
cluster round the Monroe Doctrine. And I believe that England 
will gladly join with us in such a pledge; for the love of justice, 
when once the way of justice is Clearly Seen, is our common Sax- 
on heritage. — Also see "Foreign Relations," in Appendix. 

POSTPONING. (73) 

73:1. When Proper; When Not. — Never postpone doing a thing 
simply because you dread it; but if you have any doubt as to whether 
it is right or not, then it is your duty to Always postpone it, till you 
see clearly what you ought to do. (For reasons see 28:5 and 6.) 
But though you may and should postpone the matter about which 
you feel some doubt, you should turn very quickly and busily to 
some other work (watching, listening, thinking or acting), which you 
are sure is right, or at least an honest, hearty step in the right direc- 
tion; that by some other way you may be led out into the full light 
and usefulness of a true and busy life. 

73:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. Fear* and Duty, 
(28); Dread and Hope; Folly* and Wisdom;* also Time-Using, 
Carelessness and Haste.* 

How to Safely Postpone the Study of a Thought, 87:1 and 8:6. 
Causes of Dread and How to Lessen It, 30:1. Changing Our Plans, 
71:1. What to Do When Not Sure, 28:6. "I've Got to Do It," 102:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



6o THE BETTER WAY 



POVERTY. (74) 

74:1. Poverty and Happiness. — Why is it that poor men's homes 
are often so happy? It is because "The things that help most in 
making life happy do not cost much money;" [Ram's Horn] and love, 
care and industry can make a very happy home out of little. For 
though poverty often brings upon men much unjust,- though often 
unavoidable suffering, and at such times points to a wrong somewhere 
which should be righted as soon as possible, thank God such suffer- 
ing can always be turned into a blessing and be one of God's helps in 
making your life larger and more useful. 

74:2. Kindred Topics in Other Patts of the Book. — Burdens, Mis- 
fortunes and Suffering; Opportunities and Work; Wealth* and 
Money; Hints for Hard Times and Debt. How to Bear Its Bur- 
dens More Easily, 9:1 and 3. When Cheer Grows Dim, 13:2. Get- 
ting Discouraged, 26:2. Trying to Do Your Best, 99:1. Don't For- 
get to Smile, 47:8. Oh Don't Go by Guess Work, 43:1 and 2 and 
28:5. Watchfulness and Worry, 101:1. " "One Little Thing," 100:4. 
"I've Get to Do It," 102:1. Using Your Money Wisely, 15:5. Rich- 
es and Poverty, 64:2, and a great many others. 

PRAISE. (75) 

75:1. Htcnting for Praise. — Hunt for praise and you will be sure 
not to have it; or else not to enjoy it when it comes. But quietly and 
wisely do your duty and the praise will be sweet; and even the absence 
of it will not be bitter, for you know it will come in due time (81:1). 

75:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Help, Sym- 
pathy and Kindness; and Gratitude and Love; but also Insincerity* 
and Folly*; for though we all need praise, we should be very careful 
not to be deceived by it. 

Praising Our Children, 14:2 and 49:4. Finding the Good in a Man, 
47:4. How to Tell Whether the Praise is Doing Us Harm, 52:1. 
When to Distrust the Praise We Get, 96:2; and "Only a Smile," 47:1. 

PRAYER. (76) 

76:1.. Praying About Little Things. — "Do you pray about such lit- 
tle things?" she asked, in surprise. "Yes, when they trouble or per- 
plex me; for that shows that I need help ; and whenever we ask God's 
help in a really trusting spirit, or even in true humility, He always 
gives it, in whatever form we most need it." (Also see 9:1.) 

Suggested by a Friend. 
For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 61 

76:2. Learning to Pray. — The man who prays 'in real humility 
2 for things he really longs for, soon gets so many answers and so many 
loving, tender refusals that he is sure to keep on praying — not from a 
sense of duty, but because he loves to pray. 

76:3. How Long Shall I Pray, When Talking Alone With God? — 
Sometimes a second, sometimes a few minutes and sometimes for 
hours together; for though your life may be a very busy one and 
your prayers will not all be put in words, you should never wholly 
stop praying, till your burdens grow lighter and your trust in God 
grows strong and clear. For as soon as you have stayed in God's 
special presence long enough to be ready for a blessing, the blessing is 
sure to come. Yes, even if, in your weakness you sometimes get dis- 
couraged, and stop praying for a season, the blessing will come at 
last, though not as soon. But remember that the main question is 
not, "How long do you pray?" but "How often do you pray?" and 
not until we get so that we pray hundreds of times a day, can you or 
I be said to know much about prayer or about God. 

76:4. Silent Prayer. — Do not feel that you must put all your prayers 
in words, even in your own mind. For if your heart goes out in love 
and longing towards God, He is sure to know it. — But it must be real 
love, or at least a real humility and longing for a truer life; and you 
will also find that some of your prayers are sure to get into words, 
though not all. 

76:5. Can God Answer Prayer? — Your mother, your father, your 
friends, your enemies and your rulers can often give you what you 
ask for. Then cannot God? Has He less power than man? Is not 
nature His tool and servant, as it is ours? only more so? Yes, sure- 
ly; and we know, both from experience and from theory, that God 
can and does answer prayer. 

76:6. Why Then Do So Many of Our Prayers Go Unanswered? — One 
reason why so many of our prayers remain unanswered is that there 
is no real asking in them; we are not really talking to God, — At other 
times the trouble is that we do not ask in real humility and are not 
really willing to be led even when we pray. — Then too it often hap- 
pens that the asked for blessing comes in an unexpected form and 

we are unwilling to take it. While yet another reason for some of 

our prayers remaining unanswered is that we have asked for some- 
thing which would not be good for us and for those we love, and God 
is too good and wise to grant it. Yet such prayers as these, if made 
in love, God does not pass unnoticed; for He sends something better 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



62 THE BETTER WAY 



than what we asked for. Does not some one of these four causes 
explain pretty well most of the unanswered prayers in your life? 
Look them over and see. 

76:7. But Why Must We Pray? — Common blessings may be given 
unasked; but our best blessings are too good to give till they have 
been asked for, for they must be given in love and received in love to 
be really sweet. . This is the way we deal with our own children and 
friends; and this is the way God deals with us. 

76:8. Accepting God's Offers. — Prayer is not telling God what to do; 
but simply going half way, and accepting what He offers. 

76:9. Abraham Lincoln's Testimony, — "I have been driven many 
times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no- 
where else to go." 

76:10. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Godliness and 
Christliness, (Sec. 56). Watchfulness and Burdens, Thankfulness 

and Love. Going to. God for Forgiveness, 14:11. In Partnership 

With God, 9:1. Just What Is God's Part?, and What Is Mine? 9:2. 
Knowing Jesus Better, 56:1. Having a Pure Heart, 28:14. The 
Prayer of Pain, 89:2. Watch and Pray, 101:4. 

PRIDE. (77) 

77:1. Misplaced Pride. (A Very Common Mistake Which We All 
Make at Times.) — We have a perfect right to be proud; only if you 
will stop and look at the matter sensibly and honestly, you will find 
that very often we are proudest of the things which are most in dan- 
ger of dwarfing our lives and upsetting our happiness. This surely 
doesn't pay. Let us be proud, even prouder than we are, but let us 
not be proud of the wrong things. 

77:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Putting Your 
Pride in Your Pocket, 47:9. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. Trying to. 
Do Our Best, 99:1. Hunting for Praise, 75:1. Pride and Humility, 
How Related, 51:2. 

The Kindred Topics of Healthy Pride are [Self-Respect], Hope- 
fulness, [Self-Knowledge], and healthy Self-Love. — But the Kindred 
Topics of Misplaced Pride are Conceit,* Affectation, and Selfishness.- 
The true opposite of pride is loss of self-respect, rather than humility. 

QUICKNESS. (78) 

78:1. First Be Right ; Then Be Quick. — First of all try to find the 
right way; then go in it as fast as you can; for time is precious. — 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 63 

But do not make quickness the chief thing; for if you do, your suc- 
cess will be greatly lessened or else wholly turned to failure; and 
time is too precious to be wasted in. doing poor work. 

78:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Haste* and Hur- 
ry*; Carelessness, Guess Work and Skill*; for sometimes it is some- 
thing to be proud of, and sometimes only a mark of shallowness and 

ignorance. Its opposite is slowness; which may spring from one 

of five causes; great carefulness, great thoughtfulness, inexperience, 
mental confusion and lastly aimlessness; or from a mixture of sev- 
eral of these. You must find out then which it is, before you can 
judge it justly or know how to cure it when excessive. 

REBUKE AND PUNISHMENT. (79) 

79:1. How to Deal With Wrong Doers. — Do not ask yourself what 
men deserve, but what will help them and others most. This will 
save you from many a sad mistake; for though a wise love may be 
just as stern as anger, it is always more just and more far-sighted. 

79:2. Kicking: — "When a horse begins to kick he stops pulling; 
and the same is true of men" when they get to fault-finding. Then 
surely we ought not to kick very often. (For the deeper effects of 
fault-finding see 54:3. 

79:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Love and Pity; 

Criticism and Advice; and Helping or else Wronging*. Dangers; 

Temper and Crossness. 

God's Punishments, 40:3. Punishing Our Children, 14:7. Punish- 
ing for Crossness, 14:3 and 4. Untimely Rebuke, 47:6, 14:5 and 3:4. 
Kind Words That Hurt, 55:3. Was the Rebuke Given in Love? 1:2 
and 61:8. How to Be Sure It Was Given in Love, 61:7 and 102:6. 
Rebuke May be Given Kindly, 54:4 and 5. Using Truth Unwisely, 
98:1. You Must Also See His Good Points, 47:4 and 58:2. The 
Love Test, 102:6. Sometimes Rebuke Can Do No Good, 1:4; and 
The Whole of Section 54. 

RECKLESSNESS. (80.) 

80:1. Recklessness — A Vain Attempt to Forget. — Recklessness is oft- 
en mistaken for courage. But if you will look at it at all closely, you 
will find that it is very different; for courage is born of goodness, 
love and hope, while recklessness is born of folly and selfishness, and 
a wild and uncontrolled desire to forget, — to forget a past in which 
we have not been true to ourselves or to others. But is recklessness 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



64 THE BETTER WAY 



ever successful in making itself forget? No, it is not; for an unhappy 
memory can be silenced only by a better life. 

80:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Carelessness, Tem- 
per and Unhappiness; and sooner or later, all forms of Doing Wrong. 

Also see Discouragement, Restlessness and Loneliness. Its oppo- 

sites are Aspiration,* Love and Hope. 

Doing Wrong to Please a Friend, 39:2. "There's No Such Thing 
as Right," 28:10. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. Thoughts for One 
Who Is Very Lonely, 60:1, 45:2, and 89:2. There is No Need of 
Your Going by Guess-Work, 43:1 and 28:5. There is Still Hope, 50:1 
and 67:2. Fighting It Out the Same Day, 3:3. Manly Repentance, 
29:6 and 40:11. When to Distrust, a Thought, 96:2. How to Stop 
Runaway. Thoughts and How Not to Stop Them, 96:1. Using Alco- 
holic Drinks, 93:1 and 2, and 96:1. 

REPUTATION. (81) 

81:1. Who Is He ?— The dudes and ignoramuses around town will 
nearly always judge you by your clothes and the place you work; 
some of the nice people will judge you in the same way for a while; 
but in the long run the most wide-awake and trust-worthy business 
men and all the best people in town will judge you by what you are, 
and by the skill and faithfulness with which your work is done. 

81:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Hunting for Praise, 
75:1. Unnatural Ways of Winning Favor, 2:1 and 2, and 39:2. Why 
Honest Men Can Differ, 22:1. Being a Fool; or Being Called One, 
29:10. Also see Example and Leadership. 

REST. (82) 

82:1. A Clear and Quiet Brain. — Never count your time wasted if 
your working, waiting, resting or playing has given you a clearer and 
quieter brain. For without it a man's power to do Marge, lasting and 
3satisying work is lessened many fold. 

82:2. Is It Really Restful? — Pleasant things are not always restful; 
and if rest is what you need, don't be satisfied with finding something 
which is simply pleasant. It should b restful and pleasant; or at least 
restful, even if not very pleasant at first. 

82:3. Rest Is But One Form of Work, — Rest is but one form of work; 
easier than some; more mysterious than most; but, in its place, just 
as important as any. Those of us who hate the very thought of rest- 
ing, as some of us do, should remember this. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 65 

82:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Books and Talk- 
ing; Evenings, Home and the Sabbath; Day-Dreams and Play.* 

For healthy opposites see Work; for unhealthy opposites see Rest- 
lessness, Idleness* and Overwork.* 

Rest is Really But Quiet Watching, 101:4. "I Haven't Time to 
Rest," 97:1. Rest at Evening, 33:1 and 84:1. Play and Work, C:4i. 
Resting in God, 40:12 and 13. 

RESTLESSNESS. (83) 

83:1. Restlessness Defined. — Restlessness may be defined as a more 
or less impatient and excited longing for change. 

83:2. Reasons for Not Yielding to It. — Restlessness may be partial- 
ly covered up {and made more dangerous') but can never be cured by 
taking a larger dose of the things we most long for just now. The 
only way to cure it is to let these alone and turn to some more quiet 
work till we can think of them more quietly and wisely. For even when 
harmless and Desirable in themselves, our restlessness shows that 
they have got misplaced in our life and thought, and are in great 
danger of injuring and upsetting us, instead of helping. — And if they 
really are what we need, a time will come later on when we can wise- 
ly strive for them. 

83:3. Its Cure. — The best way to cure it or lesson it is to pitch in 
for a while and do a lot of Little jobs, o'oing them as fast as you 
can without doing them carelessly; then spend a little while in resting: 
and restlessness will not trouble you much more that day. 

83:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Guess Work and 
Worry*; Loneliness and Perplexity; Drudgery and Carelessness; 
Haste* and Discontent. — Its opposites are a deeper, clearer know- 
ledge of God and Life, which makes us even more eager to do, but 
relieves us of fear and excessive haste. — See Godliness, Life and 
many others. 

Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. Misusing Our Evenings, 84:1. Saying 
"I Havn't Time," 97:1. Going by Guess Work, 43:1 and 2. Using 
Truth Unwisely, 98:1. Helpful Day-Dreams and Harmful Ones, 20: 
1 and 2. Little Changes Often Helpful, 28:6. Seemingly Impossi- 
ble Duties, 28:9. Taking Short Steps, 69:1 and 2. Time Spent in 
Resting Is Not Wasted, 82:3 and 1. Silent Prayer, 76:4. Changing 
Its Name, 29:8. First Right, Then Quick, 78:1. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



66 THE BETTER WAY 



THE SABBATH. (84) 

84:1. Our Sundays and Our Evenings. — The man or woman, or boy 
or girl, who is not satisfied unless his Sundays and evenings can be 
full of stir and excitement, is sure to find himself gradually becom- 
ing more and more restless, and life more and more full of disap- 
pointments, annoyances and perplexities, for all of which his foolish 

use of his rest hours and rest days is responsible. And he who 

sacrifices them to an uncontrolled desire for wealth or power or fame 
will also share the same disappointing lot, from which honest repent- 
ance alone can save him. While he who gives them up simply for 

the sake of making a bare living will find that his life is growing nar- 
row and dull, and his living no better; for a wide-awake, well-bal- 
anced and well-rested man can in the long run earn more in six days 
than a duller man in seven. 

84:2. But Why is Sunday So Often a Lonely Day? — We have all felt 
at times that Sunday was one of the loneliest and hardest days of the 
week. This feeling is doubtless often due to the fact that we have 
not put into the thoughts and words and silences of the Sabbath 
enough of love and hope and thankfulness, thus making it a dull and 
aimless day. But it is also due in part to another and important 
cause, namely that Sunday is our day for discovering and (willingly 
or unwillingly) correcting many of the mistakes of the past week. 
This would naturally make it a rather hard day in some ways; but, 
oh, how much brighter these little repentances and corrections make 
the rest of the week and how many serious mistakes they save us 
from, ere it is too late. And furthermore the more willing we are to 
acknowledge and correct our mistakes the less of a struggle it takes 
and the more easily do love and hope and gratitude come in to beau- 
tify and sweeten the day, until Sunday becomes one of the brightest, 
and happiest days of the whole week. 

84:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. For lists of Kin- 
dred Topics see Rest, Home and Prayer (or Talking with God). 
Also see Books, Thoughts and ordinary Talking, all of which are apt 
to fill a larger place in our life on Sunday than on other days. 

Also see Spending Much Time With Your Children, 14:12. Writ- 
ing to Mother and Father, 49:5. Learning to Pray, 76:2, and The 
Importance of Rest, Section 82. 

SELF-LOVE. (85) 

85:1. How to Jake Care of Yourself. — The only way to take good 
care of yourself and have a really good time in life is, first of all, to 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 67 

spend Most of your time and strength in busily, heartily and Wisely 
caring for others. And, then, secondly, to spend a little time each 
day in simply caring for yourself, in right and unselfish and yet self- 
seeking ways. How beautiful and satisfying the picture of life which 
this presents. 

85:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — For Perverted 
Self-Love, see Selfishness. Proper and Improper Pride, 77:1 and 2. 
Self-Examination, 12:4. Morbid Self-Examination, 52:1. Seeing 
Ones Own Faults, 12:5. Confessing Them, 14:1 1. Also 54:9. Mis- 
using Our Ideals, 52:1. Study, or Self-Improvement, Section 87 and 
also Index. — Also see the Index under Self-Help, Self-Sacrifice, Self- 
indulgence, Self-Deception, Conceit, etc. 

SELFISHNESS. (86) 

86:1. What is Selfishness? — Selfishness may be defined as injuring 
others, or being willing to let them be injured, in hopes it will do us 
some good. 

86:2. But Does It Pay? — No it does not; for every selfish act brings 
a little more discontent and unhappiness into our lives; and conscience 
tells us more and more plainly each passing year that it is not "luck" 
or "somebody else's wrong doing," but our own selfishness that is at 
the bottom of it all; for though others may often make us suffer in 
other ways they can never deprive us of our peace of mind; and it is 
only our own persistence in doing wrong that can ever do that. — See 
Section 100. 

86:3. Selfishness and Self-Love How Related. — Selfishess is pervert- 
ed self-love. 

86:4. And How About Unselfishness? — Unselfishness, which means 
not being inclined to be selfish (86:1) springs from love, and is thus a 
most praiseworthy thing, if not worked out blindly. Yet we should 
remember that it may be worked out so blindly as to encourage sel- 
fishness in others (55:2) and it is then a sad instance of the "well- 
meant folly" of which we have spoken elsewhere; 29:9 and 28:14. 

86:5. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Recklessness, 
Dishonesty, Meanness, Crossness, Temper, Gossip, Tempting Oth- 
ers (39:2), and a great many other thoughts and actions not com- 
monly spoken of as selfish; though really such. — Also see Doing 
Wrong and Unhappiness. The opposites of Selfishness are Love and 
Unselfishness.* 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



68 THE BETTER WAY 



Wanting to Have a Good Time is Not Wrong; But Take Care How 
You Have It, 45:6. Selfishness in Business, 10:1. Selfishness in 
"One Little Thing," 100:4. Smiling, But Unhappy, 100:3. A Study 
of the Dark Side of Life, 16:2. Proper Self-Love, Section 85. 

STUDY-HELPS. (87) 

87:1. Keeping Thoughts for Future Study. — Writing a thought down 
and then laying it away for future study or criticism is a great help 
to vigorous and far-reaching thought. But if we wish for something 
more than merely superficial influence and hope to specially benefit 
and enlarge men's thoughts and lives, we must also spend much time 
in rewriting and correcting our statements, generally taking for each 
day's study the ones which are clearest at the time (87:3 and 98:1). 

As an important help in doing this I would suggest that you keep 
a part of your writings and clippings in simple envelopes, and on 
rather small sheets of paper, so that one part can easily be revised or 
even rewritten without copying or disfiguring all. Ordinary No. 5 or 
6 manilla envelopes and little slips of cheap writing paper, 5 inches 
by 2^4 or 5 by 2, are the sizes I find most satisfactory. — This way of 
working will help you in noticing or correcting many inaccuracies 
which would be sure to pass unnoticed in simply rewriting the article 
or thought as a whole. 

Use both paper and envelopes freely; only do not mark your en- 
velopes in ink, as your envelope titles will change oftener than any 
other part of your collection, sometimes very unexpectedly; and you 
will probably wish to use the same envelopes over and over again. 
(Cheap letter paper can be got for from ten to fifteen cents a pack- 
age of five quires; and manilla envelopes for from sixty to seventy- 
five cents per box of five hundred.) 

87:2. How to Use Seed Thoughts. — Even very crude, unripe and 
even untrue thoughts may at times suggest very clearly, often by op- 
posites, some helpful truth which we need to keep in mind, or some 
error which we can safely attempt to correct; and are then worth writ- 
ing down and keeping for a while. But they should always be kept 
by themselves, as mere raw material, and not in the same set of en- 
velopes as your more carefully tested thoughts. 

87:3'. Studying the Things That Are Already Clearest. — If you wish' 
to use your time and strength to the best advantage, you should make 
it your rule to ordinarily let alone the more perplexing problems of 
life and thought and spend most of your time and strengthen mas- 
tering more perfectly and applying more helpfully the things which 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 69 

are already clearest in your mind. Do this honestly and patiently, 
and you will find it a sure and quick way of learning yet more and 
helping others to do the same; and many problems, which now seem 
hopelessly perplexing, will, when taken in their proper order, grow 
clear and almost simple. — Also see 98:3. 

87:4. Baffling Problems. — When a problem simply baffles you, that 
alone is no reason for wholly laying it aside; for you may neverthe- 
less be making steady progress toward grasping and solving it. But 
if it baffles and confuses you, or baffles and irritates, or baffles and 
depresses, then it # is your duty to lay it aside, for a while at least, 
however important and urgent it may be; for you only make matters 
worse by working at it. 

87:5. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Books and Papers, 
(8); Truth and Thought; Arguments and Talking; Day-Dreams and 
Ideals; Difficulties and Perplexity; Rest and Work; and, in some 
way, nearly every section in the book. 

Do Not Always Choose the Easiest Way, 32:1. How and When 
to Use the Truth, Section 98. Spending Time on Little Things, 59:3. 
How to Use Books, Section 8. Books of Remembrance, 12:3. 
Studying Character, 45:2. The Proper Use of Day-Dreams, 20:1, 2 
and 3. Going Against the Grain, 15:2. Studying Things We Can- 
not Yet Describe, 15:1 and 58:3. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. Don't 
Be Too Quick, 78:1. Too Much Thinking, 96:motto. Forgetfulness 
Explained, 37:2. A Good Memory for Essentials, 8:1. Silent Watch- 
ing, 101:3 and 96:motto. Watching and Resting, How Related, 101:4. 

SUCCESS. (88) 

88:1. Preparing for Success. — If you wish for success tomorrow, 
you must prepare for it to-day; for any large and lasting success 
never comes unprepared for, though the final opening of the bud may 
be sudden. And the higher your hopes the longer and busier and 
wiser must your day of preparation be. 

88:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — For special forms 
of success see elsewhere, under the special topics which most interest 
you. — For the opposite of success see Failure*. 

How to Start Up the Ladder, 48:2., How to Become Foreman and 
Partner, 10:2. Success in Doing Wrong, 29:7. Success in Spite of 
Failure, 102:2. Dreaming of Success, 20:1, 2 and 3. Difficulties and 
How to Overcome Them, 23:1. Using the Opportunities We Have, 
67:1. Why Must We Wait? 101:2. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



70 THE BETTER WAY 



SUFFERING. (89) 

Take the name of Jesus with you, 

Child of sorrow and of woe; . . 
It will joy and comfort give you; 

Take it, then, where'er you go. 

[Mrs. Lydia Baxter in Gospel Songs.] 

89:2. Asking God to Bless Our Sufferings. — Just stop and ask God 
to make your sufferings a blessing to others and to you. Ask Him, 
tearfully and blindly, if you must, but ask Him humbly and truly; 
and every one of your pains, even the worst of them, will grow lighter 
and you will begin to dimly see the plan of love of which God's per- 
mission or sending of that pain is a part. 

89:3. The Hard Things of Life. (Three Ways of Meeting Them.) 
— Don't dwell on the hard things of life; for it only makes them 
harder. Nor should you go to the opposite extreme of simply try- 
ing to forget them as soon as possible. The better way is to face 
them quietly and prayerfully, remembering that God sees them and 
is going to turn them into blessings and help you in forgetting them 
just as fast as you are willing to let Him, and willing to let Him do 
it in His own best way. 

89:4. Painful Blessings and Blessings Which We Do Not Understand. 
— There are blessings that wc can understand and blessings that we 
cannot understand; there are also pleasant blessings and painful ones; 
and I am satisfied that those which we now least understand and least 
enjoy are as truly blessings as any, — blessings for which we shall be 
profoundly grateful when later on our eyes are opened to see more 
clearly and remember. — Also see 58:1. 

89:5. Hungering For Righteousness. — "Blessed are they that hunger 
and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled" (Matt.. 5:6). 
And if you really long for a nobler, truer life these sweet words of 
Christ's are for you. Remember this, whatever comes; for all the 
suffering that may come is but a preparation for that deeper fullness 
and goodness and peace for which you so much long. 

89:6. Testimony of Many Who Have Suffered. — Many of the world's 
greatest sufferers are the ones who testify most clearly and gratefully 
that whenever suffering is unavoidable or comes in the path of duty, 
it can With God's Help always be turned into a blessing for those 
who love the right. Surely this is a most significant fact and full of 
comfort for all true hearts, however weak and blundering. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 71 

89:7. The Great Importance of Seeing the Bright Side Clearly. — A 
clear seeing of the bright side of life does not do away with sufferings 
and difficulties. But it does make us more quiet and patient, more 
glad and wise in meeting them. 

89:8. Often Sweet to Remember. — "That which was bitter to endure 
is often sweet to remember;" for out of it God has brought a blessing. 

89:9. Kindred Topics in Other Patts of the Book. — Burden Bear- 
ing and Misfortunes; Mourners, Poverty, Loneliness, Dread, Worry*, 
Discouragement, Disappointment, Self-Sacrifice* and Unhappiness. 

Suffering Caused by Our Own Wrong Doing, 16:2 and 100:1. Suf- 
fering for the Right, 28:12. Hard Times Not Always Bad Times, 
48:1. The Bright Side Explained, 58:1. But Are You Sure There is 
a Bright Side? 58:3. God's Way of Satisfying, 40:5. The Peace of 
God, 40:13. The Fruits of Patience, 68:2. 

SYMPATHY. (90) 

90:1. Set Words of Very Little Importance. — If your heart is full of 
pity; if your heart is full of love; or if sympathy is longing to find 
utterance; you need not anxiously hunt for fit words. For^if your 
heart is full and 2 you are willing to let it show, it is sure to show 
somehow very plainly, even when you are wholly silent or talking of 
the most commonplace matters. 

90:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts oftheBook. — Patience, Forgive- 
ness, Love, Kindness, Pity, Gratitude and Prayer. — Also see Friend- 
ship, Tenderness* and Home. — Lack of sympathy shows itself first 
in Indifference;* secondly, in an unsympathetic manner, (i. e. one 
which has in it no love at all or else a very imperfect and narrow 
love); and, thirdly, in downright Selfishness. 

The Secret of Sympathy, 61:1 and 2. Some Ways of Showing It, 
47:1 and 49:5. Lack of Sympathy for Others an Evidence That We 
Ourselves Are Wrong, 102:6. Keeping a Book of Remembrance, 
12:3. Making Good News Reports, 12:2. 

TALKING. (91) 

91:1. Talking Too Much and Talking Too Little. — A man may ex- 
pose his own 'ignorance, 2 narrowness or else 3weakness, both by too 
much talking and by too little; and wherever you are, you will get 
far more credit for what you do know, if you are careful to avoid both 
the one extreme of boastful or unthinking talkativeness, and the oth- 
er of proud or frightened silence. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



72 THE BETTER WAY 



91:2. Talking Too Long. — In giving advice, especially when some 
rebuke is mingled with it, and also in other attempts to persuade and 
win men, we should be careful not to talk too long. For a little too 
much talking may cancel much of the good done by our previous re- 
buke, advice or explanation. 

91:3. Your Tongue. — Look out for your tongue for it can do a great 
deal of mischief. — Use your tongue; for if you use it carefully and at 
the right time, you can do a great deal of good, be you great or be you 
small, be you learned or unlearn'd. 

91:4. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Advice, Rebuke 
and Criticism (54); Rest and Friendship; Study and Books; Busi- 
ness and Home; Arguments, Excuses and Differences of Opinion; 
Gossip, Guess-Work and Exaggeration; Thought and Truth; Silence 
and Prayer; and many others. 

The Tones of the Voice Tell More Than the Words, 55:1. Talk- 
ing and Thinking Too Much a Source of Weakness, 96:motto, and 
also 28:11. Writing Home, 49:5. 

TEMPER. (92) 

92:1. How to Tame a Quick Temper. — Is there any cure for a quick 
temper? Yes, there is; a slow one, but a very sure one, namely; 
fighting it out the same day with yourself (explained more fully in 
Section 3:3.) This always results in slowly but surely giving a man 
control of even the worst temper. Nor do I know of any other cure. 
But since this is so effective, and so helpful in many other ways, no 
fair-minded man can complain at its slowness. — The sooner you ap- 
ply this remedy the better; that's clear. "But better late than never." 
Notice especially the last part of 3:3. 

92:2. The Importance of Silence. — The less you say when you are 
mad, the better. (Also see 101:3.) 

92:3. One Way of Silencing an Angry Man. — A soft answer turneth' 
away wrath. TProv. 15:1.] 

92:4. Two Fools Instead Of One. — When another man acts like a 
fool i-n your presence, you will be very apt to see it, and it may be 
proper to say that he is acting like a fool, provided your saying it will 
do anybody any good. But if you get all stirred up or cross in seeing, 
or saying it, then it only proves that there are two fools instead of 
one, and you ought to make haste to catch and tame the one nearest 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 73 

home, the one over whom you have most authority. Then catch the 
other, if you can; but not till then. . 

92:5. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Crossness and 
Anger; Discontent and Drudgery; Recklessness and Unhappiness; 
Carelessness and Besetting Sins. Also see Rebuke. — For opposites 
see Watchfulness, Pity and Forgiveness. 

"It Makes Me Mad," 18:2. Helps in Regaining Your Self-Control, 
3:4. Unfriendly Criticism, 54:3. Just Indignation, 3:2. Runaway 
Thoughts, 96:1. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1 and Watchful Silence, 
101:3. 

TEMPERANCE. (93) 

93:1. Why Let Alone Alcoholic Drinks? — I urge you to let alone 
alcoholic drinks, not because they may make a drunkard or a fool of 
you some time (though that is far truer than you dream of now), but 
simply because they make you x less manly, 2 less happy, 3less useful 
to-day. This is true of even the lightest alcoholic drinks when taken 
for pleasure, or as a help in forgetting or as a help in overworking. 
And also when taken "for medicine" week after week and month af- 
ter month. 

93:2. Helping to Ruin Others. — Even if your drinking does not ruin 
you, it will help to ruin others and a just God will lay part of the 
blame at your door for you know you are doing wrong in using it, 
even if you happen to have self-control enough to use it moderately. 

93:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Study carefully 
Loneliness, Restlessness, Recklessness, Habit, Guess-Work, Little 
Things, Home, Evenings, Sundays (84), Burdens and Besetting Sins; 
especially the last two. 

How to Stop Runaway Thoughts, 96:1, Shall We Do Wrong to 
Please a Friend, 39:2. Praying About Little Things, 76:1. Being a 
Fool; or Being Called One; Which? 29:10. Wanting to Have a 
Good Time, 45:6. The Hard Things of Life, 89:3. Jumping at Con- 
clusions; or Going by Guess-Work, 43:1 and 2. Our Temperance 
Laws, 72:2 and Page 7 of Appendix. 

TEMPTATION. (94) 

94:1. Show Them The Way Out. — When you see your children, 
or others whom you can influence, running into temptation, do not 
simply tell them what not to do; but point out as soon as possible and as 
attractively as possible something that they can do and will probably 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



74 THE BETTER WAY 



be glad to do. But generally leave them to choose for themselves 
whether to do just what you suggest, or something else just as good 
suggested by it. 

94:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Look in the index 
for the special temptations you most need to study.— Then for more 
general suggestions see [Ignorance,] Guess Work, Conceit,* Hasle*, 
Restlessness, Excuses, Besetting Sins, Doing Right and Doing 
Wrong. 

What to Do When You Are Not Sure, 102:5. Conscience Is Never 
Silent, 28:5. When Not to Trust a Thought, 96:2. Runaway 
Thoughts, 96:1. When Our Friends Tempt Us, 39:2. Doing Wrong 
in Little Things, 29:2 and 3. Importance of Watching, 96:motto and 
101:3; Misplaced Pride, 77:1. What Sort of Helps Do We Most Need 
When Tempted, 1:6; and many others. 

THANKFULNESS. (95) 

95:1. Thankfulness for Little Blessings. — When we learn to thank- 
fully notice the little blessings of life, their number steadily increases, 
and each becomes sweeter and greater than it has ever been before. 

95:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Cheerfulness and 
Hope; Patience and Love; Gratitude and Prayer.— Its opposites are 
Ingratitude and Discontent. 

How to Show Our Gratitude to God, 40:7. God's Larger Bless- 
ings, 40:4. One Way of Saying Thank You, 42:1. Grateful for Suf- 
fering, 89:4. Keeping a Book of Remembrance, 12:2 and 3. Learn- 
ing to Love Our Work, 102:4. 

OUR THOUGHTS. (96) 

Too little watching, too much thinking, and too 
much careless thinking; by each of these is every 
life marred, more or less. 

96:1. How to Stop Runaway Thoughts. — We all know from sad ex- 
perience what a fearful snarl our thoughts sometimes get into; and 
how helpless we are at such times; and oh how sadly we blunder and 
how fearfully we suffer. This is why so many people take to drink 
and opium and infidelity. But alas their remedy is a mistaken one; 
for all of these only give a few hours relief and then help to make 
the man more and more unhappy as time goes on. — But are there no 
other remedies? Yes there are. But some are very hard to apply; 
others are available only after years of careful living; and others can 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE. HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 75 

be applied only by some human friend coming to the rescue. But 
there is one remedy which long experience with others makes me 
believe any true hearted person can use successfully. It is this; si- 
lently and in a very few words ask God's help; then go to some other 
room or part of the room where there is less to set you thinking, and 
try to keep perfectly quiet for a little while; or if you cannot do this 
go to saying over rather slowly, or else writing down, a string of very 
carefully selected, but disconnected words, each of which, however 
common place, does somehow help a wee bit in quieting and truing 
you; and in from one to ten minutes your thoughts will once more go 
on more quietly and helpfully. 

Let me also remind you that we are often suffering from runaway 
thoughts and need these same remedies when our minds are so 
crushed with dull and disappointed thought that it seems as though 
we had no thoughts at all. — Also see 102:5. 

When very tired or very much overburdened with thought, you 
will often find help in following slowly along the alphabet (A, B, C, 
etc.,) in your search for restful, helpful hints, simply taking care not 
to try and use every letter or every word that the letters suggest. 

96:2. When Not to Trust a Thought or Theory. — Never trust your 
thoughts or theories when they go contrary to your quieter, deeper, 
instincts of duty; for such a conflict, however slight, Always shows 
that they are either untrue or else badly misapplied. 

96:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Almost every- 
thing in the book; but especially see Plans, Books, Arguments, Study, 
Truth, Ideals, Work, Day-Dreams, Perplexity, Excuses, Forgetting, 
Guess-Work, Differences of Opinion, Criticism (54), Praise, Talking, 
etc. 

Broken Thought Often More Helpful Than Unbroken, 101:3. Un- 
timely Thought Hinders Right Action, 28:11. Thought Cannot Set- 
tle a Question of Present Duty, 28:3 and 100:2. Conflicting Thoughts, 
28:8. Suggested Thoughts, 8:6. Seed Thoughts, 87:2. What to Do 
When You Find It Hard to Think Clearly, 101:3. Intellect versus 
Reason, 58:3. Translating What Others Say, 54:8. Misusing Our 
Ideals, 52:1. A Danger Signal, 102:6. Old Folks' Opinions, 66:1. 
Nameless Work, 15:1. A Clear and Quiet Brain, 82:1. 

TIME-USING. (97) 

97:1. "I Haven't Time." — Suppose a person were to say "I haven't 
time to eat and sleep," and were to go without sleep or food for a few 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



76 THE BETTER WAY 



days. How would it work? Would he really save time and accom- 
plish more? Yet nearly all of us do make just such mistakes as this 
often enough and long enough to keep our minds and stomachs, our 
nerves and brains all out of order. Let me ask you, Does it pay? 
Do we accomplish more by so doing? Oh, no; we work harder, but 
accomplish less. The only safe rule is to never say, "I haven't time," 
except when duty very plainly approves of our so doing, or calls us 
elsewhere. A moment's rest or prayer, a little more watching, a lit- 
tle more care in making sure we are doing right will save us from 
many a sad mistake, and will also make us work so much faster and 
more skillfully later on, that, though we have less time, we accomp- 
lish more. 

Remember this, and you will save yourselves and others many a 
needless heart-ache and back ache too. 

97:2. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Work and Rest; 
Evenings and the Sabbath; Quickness and Slowness (78:2); Hurry* 

and H,aste;* Plans and Postponing; and Hints for Hard Times. ■ 

Also Time versus Money, 48:5 and 3. A Minute a Day, 59:2. 
Spending Time on Little Things, 59:3. 

TRUTH. (98) 

98:1. Using Truth Unwisely. — "It's true." Yes; but does it do you 
any good to think and talk about it? For truth is like medicine and 
like food and cannot help us, if we use it carlessly, or even at the 
wrong time. So let us learn to let alone some true things, and to use 
others only in small doses. But let us be honest, 2 wise and 3careful 
in our choice; and be careful not to despise the truths and half-truths 
for which we have no present use; and also be careful not to despise 
a truth because it has been very blunderingly stated, or because some 
of those who talk about it are insincere, and some very stupid. For 
some of the very truths which are oftenest twisted, Counterfeited and 
Smisunderstood are the most helpful to an honest, earnest lover of 
truth and right. — Also see 47:6. 

98:2. How to Increase its Power. — The more x clearly and 2 truly 
and 3wisely you can state a truth, the more lives it will reach and the 
more deeply it will influence those that it does reach. Do not be 
contented with the mere assertion that what you say is true. The 
question is whether others will see that it is true; and how clearly will 
they see it? and again will your manner of stating and presenting it 
make them any more likely to see and profit by it? 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 77 

98:3. Importance of Seeing the Truth Clearly. — Try first of all to 
see the truth clearly, even if your knowledge of it is so incomplete 
that you cannot translate it into words, or prove it to others. For 
truth clearly seen is what makes men strong and brave and hopeful; 
and one truth seen clearly is worth a hundred seen but mistily, and 
will have mote power to uplift and cheer, and will count for more in 
really explaining life. But remember that you must choose between 
them every day and many times a day. For if you load your mem- 
ory with misty thoughts and labored, inconclusive arguments, clearer, 
truer thoughts will seldom come and soon depart. 

98:4. Truth and Error; How Related. — Truth recklessly used will 
soon change t.o error, and brings a curse; while error, used in an hon- 
est, humble, truth-loving spirit, brings us nearly to perfect truth, be- 
cause of the little truth there is in it. Then let us never get discour- 
aged; and, above all, let us never get reckless in our use of the truth 
(much or little), which is given us. 

98:5. A Very Helpful Test of Truth. — You may feel sure that what- 
ever makes your life nobler and better is true, or at le^st so near the 
truth you most need as to be justly very precious, if carefully used. 

98:6. A Simple But Important Test of Error. — But. on the other hand, 
whatever makes your life, even for a single moment, less true and 
noble is false, (intrinsically false) or else false at some vital point as 
understood and applied by you; and so to be carefully let alone till 
you can touch it, if at all, without doing yourself or others harm. 

98:7. A Word of Cheer for Truth Lovers. — He that loveth truth shall 
find more and more of it; slowly sometimes, but very surely. [Selected] 

98:8. Love of Truth Misapplied. — When your love of truth makes 
you despise the half-truths which others twist and misapply, you may 
be sure that you too are in some way twisting and misapplying the 
truths which you most love. 

98:9. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Watchfulness and 
Insight;* Goodness (28) and Justice;* Beauty and Ideals. Also see 
Books and Thoughts; Study and Arguments; and in Index, Opin- 
ions. For opposites see Error* and [Falsehood]; Darkness and 

W 7 rong-Doing (29); Guess-Work, Excuses and Exaggeration. 

The Bright Side of Truth, 58:1 and 16:1. The Sad Side of Truth, 
16:2. Apparent Confusion Between Truth and Error, 28:10. Truth 
in Daily Life, 28:3. The Law of Fitness, 47:6. Helpful Day-Dreams, 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



78 THE BETTER WAY 



20:1 and 2. Misusing Our Ideals, 52:1. How Honest Men Can Dif- 
fer, 22:1. Love of Beauty, 6:1. True Gossip, 41:1. 

TRYING. (99) 

99:1. Trying to Do Your Best. — The man who really tries from 
day to*day to do his best will not always succeed in all he under- 
takes; but he will succeed far oftener than the one who doesn't try, 
and is sure of a useful, honored and happy place in life. — Also 102:2. 

99:2. Trying Versus Wishing. — Don't mistake wishing to be good 
for trying to be good; for a man may really wish he could live a bet- 
ter life and still go on living just as foolish, selfish and unhappy a 
life as ever. It is only when a man begins to really try to be good 
and to seek God's help in his trying, that his .character is changed; 
and even then he does not become suddenly perfect, though there is 
sure to be a great change. 

99:3. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Watchfulness 
and Longing*; Doing Right and Working. Opposites, Careless- 
ness and Doing Wrong, as we are speaking here only of praiseworthy 
trying. 

Trying to Overcome Our Faults, 12:5. Try, Try Again, 102:2. 
Are You Really Trying? 28:13. Really Trying to Do Right Always 
Makes Us Happier, 45:1. "I Will Do What I Can," 47:2. Finding 

Opportunities, 67:1. Asking God's Help, 76:1. For special forms 

of trying see other parts of the book. 

UNHAPPINESS. (100) 

100:1. Casting the Blame on Others. — Unhappy people often try to 
persuade themselves and others that some one else is to blame 
for their being so unhappy; and it is in part true. But only in part; 
for though most forms of suffering may come upon us, because of 
the wrong doing of others, unhappiness is a marked exception and 
always shows that in some way or other we are doing wrong ourselves. 
And just as soon as you turn round and do right yourself in thought 
and deed you will find that no man or woman under heaven, not even 
your worst enemy or unwisest friend, can force upon you that bitter- 
est of all pains which we call unhappiness, by the side of which all 
other suffering is a very little thing. 

100:2. Unhappy Christians. — But, says some one, good people are 
-often unhappy over the doings of others when they don't seem to be 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 79 

doing anything wrong themselves. Yes; but look more closely and 
you will find that though trying hard to do what they call right, they are 
at some point distrusting God, or else resisting the real leadings of 
their own healthier, wiser self. For what we call right and honestly 
think right is often but a very faulty statement of our present duty; 
and can bring no large blessing, however well meant, unless it is cor- 
rected and completed by the more silent present leadings of conscience 
and of God. (28:3 and 10.) 

106:3. Smiling But Unhappy. — Every one who smiles isn't happy; 
for even when a person is not hypocritical (that is to say, really 
takes an interest in others) their smile may still be meant in part to 
simply cover up some struggle in which they are as yet too weak and 
willful to be true to their wiser and better self. You must look below 
the smile, at their life when off their guard, to really know whether 
they are happy or not. 

100:4. "One Little Thing!' — Many a man who calls himself good and 
really does try to do right in most things, is very unhappy much of 
the time because of some one thing which he persists in doing; though 
he knows (down in his heart) that it is selfish, wrong, unwise or dis- 
honest. 

100:5. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Guess-Work 
and Carelessness; Selfishness and Doing Wrong; Drudgery and Ex- 
cuses; Discontent and Restlessness; Crossness and Temper; Ingrati- 
tude and Recklessness, and many others. For opposites see Hap- 
piness and Doing Right. 

Unhappy Memories, 80:1. Unhappiness Always Shows That We 
Are Doing Wrong NOW, 29:5. A Study of the Dark Side of Life, 
16:2. Painful Blessings, 89:4. How to Find the Light Again, 19:1. 
Does Selfishness Pay? 86:2. Things That Look Wise and Right; 
But are Not, 29:1. Lost Opportunities, 67:2 and 29:5. Are You 
Really Trying to Do Better? 28:13 and 99:2. The Love Test, 102:6. 
Suffering in General, Section 89. 

WATCHFULNESS. (101) 

I0i:i. Watchfulness and Worry. — A happy, trustful life will be full 
of watchfulness; but not of worry. For watchfulness comes from an 
eager enthusiasm to do our part and do it well; while worry comes 
from distrusting God and trying to plan out work which He, in His 
greater wisdom, never meant we should touch at all, or at least does 
not wish to have us touch now. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



8o THE BETTER WAY 



ioi :2. Watchful Waiting; or " What Shall I Do." — If you really can- 
not tell what you had better do in some important matter, turn heartily 
to some other lesser duties meanwhile watching for more light and you 
will be sure to find it, as soon as you are ready to use it wisely; for 
watchful waiting fits a man for many a piece of work for which he 
would otherwise have been wholly unfit or at least but very poorly 
fitted. 

101:3. Watchful Silence ; {or Silent Watching}. — Silent watching is 
always more helpful than thought, when you find that you cannot 
think clearly and justly; and broken thought (96:1) is more helpful 
than unbroken, when you find it hard to think clearly and justly.— — 
Also see Motto of Section 96. 

101:4. Watching and Resting. — When life looks very bright or 
fairly bright, then watch and pray; that you may know how to use it 
rightly. But when it looks very dark, then rest and pray, for a while; 
for rest is but a quieter form of watching, and helps to fit us for more 
active watching later on. But never leave out the prayer. 

101:5. Kindred Topics in Other Patts of the Book. — Goodness (28,) 
and Insight;* Being Sure* and Satisfied;* Quietness* and Industry;* 

Carefulness* and Hopefulness; Godliness and Prayer. For oppo- 

sites see Carelessness and Guess-Work; Willfulness* [Blindness] and 
[Ignorance]. Also see Too Little Watching; Too Much Think- 
ing, 96:motto. Watching All the Time, 28:1. Special Watch- 
fulness When Perplexed, 28:3. Watchfulness Never in Vain, 28:5 
and 102:5. Are You Really Watching? 28:13. Watchfulness Helped 
by Broken Thought/ 101:3 and 96:1. Importance of Seeing the Truth 
Clearly, 98:3. A Danger Signal, 96:2; and .Watchfulness and Love, 
102:6. 

WORK. (102) 

102:1. "It Must be Done." — To see clearly that a piece of work is 
needed and that it is our privilege or duty to do it, and do it now, 
always makes the work easier. But if you have an anxious, excited 
or strained feeling that it Must Be Done, regardless of consequen- 
ces, then you may be sure you are going at it in a wrong and foolish 
way. ' "But," you say, "What can I do? The work must be done." 
I reply: Take time to *pray over it, and to 2 collect your wits a bit, 
for you can always spare that much time (97:1), and one of four 
things will happen: Either you will find you are mistaken and the 
work need not be done at all; or, secondly, that God is not willing 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



OR SIMPLE- HELPS FOR MOMENTS OF NEED. 81 

that you should do it; or, thirdly, that you should not do it now, or 
at least, not all of it; or, fourthly, you will find some way of making 
it easier. Let me also remind vou that many of our most fatal, 
though well meaning mistakes spring from yielding to such blind and 
excited "I musts." 

102:2. "Try, Try Again." — "If at first you don't succeed, try, try 
again;" only take care to learn something helpful from each failure. 
Then even your very failures will be stepping stones to success. But 
if you are too proud or too set in your plans to be willing to learn 
from experience, then failure is sure to be your lot however great 
your ability, or persistent your efforts. 

102:3. When to Do Disagreeable Work. — If it is clearly your duty to 
do a disagreeable piece of work, the sooner you can do it without 
neglecting some other duty the better. But you should take care to 
do it in a wise, watchful and natural way, and at the right time, neither 
too soon nor too late, for you will find that these disagreeable pieces 
of work are the ones which you are most in danger of doing in a forced 
and unnatural way, or at the wrong time (73:1) in fact that is the 
reason why they are so disagreeable. — Also see 31:1 and 30:1. 

102:4. Learning to Love One's Work. — The more of hope and love 
you try to put into your work and the more wisely you plan it the 
more you will enjoy the lovely parts and the more of comfort you 
will take in the sadder ones; for you will know that they are not in 
vain, — Also see 31:1 and 49:2. 

102:5. Importance of Being Sure. — If you wish to do your best, you 
should divide all your time and strength between earnest, quiet watch- 
ing and doing cheerfully and vigorously such other things, and only 
such as you are very quietly sure are right and worth doing. For 
whenever we do work of which we are only half sure that it is 
right and worth doing, it is a sure sign that we are doing T the wrong. 
kind of work; or the 2 right kind of work at the wrong time or 3in the 
wrong way; and at such times we should always stop for corrections 
(101:3); for there always is within reach at such times something 
less showy, but more satisfying and more really important than what 
we were doing before. 

102:6. The Love Test. — You may also be sure that you are wasting 
your time and strength in doing the wrong kind of work, or the right 
kind of work at the wrong time or in the wrong way, whenever your 
love and good-will for others begins to grow cold; and you will al- 
ways find yourself a gainer, and your friends and employers gainers 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



THE BETTER WAY 



too, if you will at such times stop work long enough to find out your 
mistake and correct it. — See 101:3 and 102:5. 

102:7. Work Well Done. — Work well done always brings a reward 
to the doer. But work done, well and in love always brings the great- 
est reward. 

102:8. Importance of Wise Planning. — It is not the man who works 
hardest; but the one who plans his work most wisely who accom- 
plishes most. 

102:9. Kindred Topics in Other Parts of the Book. — Plans and Op- 
portunities; Restlessness andOverwork*; Watchfulness and Patience; 
Trying and The Easy Way; Difficulties and Burdens; Thought and 
Business; Carelessness and Guess Work; Dread and Drudgery; Hints 
for Hard Times; Children's Corner and many others. 

How to Get a Job of Work, 48:3. Work That Makes Us Cross, 
18:2. Hating Our Work, 31:1. Swapping Work, 48:4. Working for 
Poor Pay, 48:2 and 3. Nameless Work, 15:1. Work and Rest How 
Related, 82:3. Work and Play How Related, C:4i. Children's Work, 
14:2. Work That Never Satisfies, Section 29. Work That Does Often 
Satisfy, 28:12 and 45:8; and Would Satisfy Much Oftener, If We Were 
Only 'More True, 45:1. God's Part and Our Part, 40:6 and 9:2. 
Conflicting Duties, 28:8. Cut It In Two, 71:2, and many others. 

For Full List of Topics See Index. 



Children's Corner 



BEING GOOD OR BEING NAUGHTY. 

C:i. Starting Right. — There are two kinds of men, nice men and 
mean, bad men; and two kinds of women, nice women and mean and 
selfish women. Which are you going to be? It depends largely on 
the way you start out now. For mean boys are almost always mean 
men, and mean girls are almost always mean women. 

C:2. Going Into the Corner. — Sometimes when May feels naughty 
her mamma says, "Shall I put you in the corner, May?" And quite 
often May will say, "Yes;" for she knows it helps her. Then pretty 
soon she comes out of the corner with a brighter face and does what 
mamma wants her to; for she knows that mamma has been near her 
and praying for her and loving her all the time. 

BIBLE VERSES FOR JOHNNIE. 

C:3. Johnnie's Verses. — Johnnie is a very little boy, but he likes to 
talk and "study;" so his papa is making a book of Bible Verses for 
him to learn. Here are some of them. Can you find them in your 
Bible? I hope you will try, if you are old enough. 

C:4. Godis Love. — One of Johnnie's first verses was "God is Love." 
Even baby Rose liked that, and here is the way she gave it: "Dod is 
dove, He doves me and mamma and papa and all the folks; and helps 
them." You will find this verse in First John 4:16. 

C:5. Feed My Lambs. — Jesus said, "Feed my lambs," [John 21:15]. And 
Jesus' lambs are little children. 

C:6. Shining Lights. — Then at another time Jesus said: "Let your 
light shine." [Matthew 5:16] For just as the lamps make home bright, 
and the sun and moon make the world bright, so God wishes you 
and me to let our light shine every day. 



84 CHILDREN'S CORNER. 



C\j. Blessing Little Children, — They brought some little children 
to Jesus and Jesus took them up in His arms and blessed them. 

[Mark 10:13 to 16] 

C:8. Being Kind. — Our next verse is about being kind. It says: 
"Be ye kind to one another." [Ephesians 4:32] Surely that's a nice verse 
for boys and girls; for kind people like to see others having a good 
time. 

C:o,. Enoch, the Friend of God. — Our next verse is from the first 
book of the Bible: "And Enoch walked with God." [Genesis 3:24] For 
he loved God and knew that God loved him. 

C:io. "My Father 's House!' — Johnnie's next verse is from John 14:1 
to 4: "In my Father's house are many homes." Some of these 
homes are in heaven; and some down here; for Jesus loves to come 
and "make his home" with those who love Him. [See John 14:23] 

C:n. Trusting and Doing. — Still another of Johnnie's verses is in 
Psalm 37:3 — "Trust in the Lord and do good." It is one his grand- 
mother found for him. And what does it mean? It means that God 
will help you, every day, and give you all that's really good for you 
that day. So you need not be afraid. But it also says that you must 
Do Something; doing good every day, and loving what is good, even 
if you can't do much. 

C:i2. Love One Another. — Jesus was going away, and here is what 
He said: "Love one another as I have loved you." [John 13:34 and 15:12] 

C:i3- Johnnie's Enemies. — Johnnie's next Bible verse was about 
enemies. And what is an enemy? An enemy is a man, woman, boy 
or girl who likes to hurt you. And what is the verse? "If your enemy 
is hungry, feed him; and if he is thirsty, give him drink." [Romans 12:20] 
That sounds queer, doesn't it? but it's the nicest way; for even when 
you have to thrash him he is still your brother and needs your help. 

C:i4. Opening a Blind Mari s Eyes. — "I was blind; but now I see." 
That is what a man in Judea said; for Jesus had opened his eyes. 

[John 9:25] 

C:i5- Honoring Our Parents. — "Honor thy father and thy mother." 
[Exodus 20:12] Love them, help them, and try to do all the good things 
that they want you to do. That's what it means. 

C:i6. We hope some time to have a whole book of Bible Verses 
for Children. This is only the beginning. If you and your mamma 



CHILDREN'S CORNER. 85 

would like to hunt up some more and send me a part of them, I should 
be very glad. What I want is verses that even little bits of boys and 
girls can understand pretty well. Your friend, 

Grinnell, Iowa. W. H. Wheeler. 

ABOUT BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS. 

C:\y. Even Birds and Horses Know It. — When a boy or girl is nice, 
even birds and horses know it. 

C:i8. Papa Birds and Mamma Birds. (True.) — When the mam- 
ma bird was sick, the papa bird used to feed her and feed all the 
baby birdies too. Wasn't that nice? 

BOOKS AND PAPERS. 

C:io,. "Something Nice." — Little Rose has a book which she calls 
"Something Nice." Can you guess what's in it? Nice things about 
other folks. She can't write herself; but she tells her mamma and 
papa what to write and they put it down. Three of her little entries 
I will copy for you to see: Mamma helps papa; Robby "dited;" and 
Mayo's nice. Some of the nicest ones she gets down a great many 
times. I have seen many such books; perhaps some day you will let 
me see yours. Your friend, Uncle Will. 

C:20. Johnnie 's Writing Desk. — Johnnie has a box, full of little 
bits of papers which he calls his writing desk; and he often gets it 
out and writes letters and 'tories for Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie 
Emily and Auntie May. Nobody can read Johnnie's stories; but it's 
easy to guess what they mean and they do Johnnie lots of good. 

C:2I. Sarah's Thoughts — Sarah's thoughts are little thoughts; but 
they are getting better and better every day, and if she keeps on 
writing them so carefully she will some day help a great many'people. 

C:22. Baby's Letter. — Baby wrote a letter to papa and papa couldn't 
read it; but he thought it was pretty nice just the same, and kept it a 
long, long time. 

C:23. Charlie's Room in the Barn. — Charlie has a little room in'the 
barn where he keeps his treasures; old books and papers, envelopes, 
note books, thoughts, pictures, specimens and many other things. 
He also has a bench in one corner of the barn where he can learn to 
use tools. 



86 CHILDREN'S CORNER. 



C:24. How Russell Got the Papers. — Russell comes every Saturday 
afternoon to mow our lawn and gets two papers in return; the Youth's 
Companion for himself and another paper for his mother. True, the 
papers are two weeks old; but what of that, since they are good and 
just what Russell needs. Auntie May. 

CROSSNESS. 

C:25. Too Much Pepper. — When a boy or girl gets cross he has put 
too much pepper in the soup, and makes a great many people suffer. 
But he always suffers most; for there is sure to be three times as much 
pepper in his soup as in anybody else's. 

C:26. -James Testimony. — "When I get cross I am always ashamed 
of myself afterwards." 

CRYING. 

C:27 Does Crying Do Any Good? — Yes, just a little crying some- 
times does a great deal of good. But if you cry a lot, or cry because 
you feel cross and are not ashamed of your crossness then it isn't nice 
and only makes matters worse. 

ABOUT OUR FRIENDS AND TEACHERS. 

C:28. How Aunt Hattie Helps Boys and Girls. — First of all she is 
real nice with them, doing all sorts of things for them and often giv- 
ing them some of her own nice things. Then when they have some- 
thing nice, she laughs and says, "Am not I going to have some, too?" 
and somehow or other the children are always glad to give it. 

C:2<5. How a Neighbor Helped Roger. — Roger's mother was almost 
a failure in life and his father was a drunkard; but ten miles from 
home he found a neighbor who was lovely, wise and strong, and he 

tried to be like her; and from her he also learned to pray. And 

now he is a strong and happy man. 

Yes, boys, a good neighbor, even ten miles away, is worth more, a 
great deal more, than a bag of gold, if you can only see them or hear 
from them once in a while. 

HELPING SOMEBODY. 

C:30. Helping Mamma. — Mamma helps me and I help mamma; 
that's the way to be happy. 



CHILDREN'S CORNER. 87 

C:3i. Jessie s Resolve. — I can't help mamma as much as Mary can; 
but I will try to do my part, and have a bright face too. 

C:32. Reading to Mother. — Frank's mother can talk English, but 
she can't read it. So Frank reads some of his papers aloud to her 
while she sews. We also know of another boy who reads his papers 
to his grandmother, whose eyes have got so dim that she can't read 
for herself. That's right, boys; go on and help as many folks as you 
can, and you will be first-class men some day. 

O33. Washing Dishes. — Johnnie and I wash dishes for mother, and 
little Lucy helps wipe them. Clarence. 

C:34- Folding Clothes For Mamma — Little Louie thought he was 
"urking pretty hard" when he was helping his mamma fold clothes. 
But he liked it, and mamma liked it too. Can you tell me why? 

C:35. Taking Care of Papa. — One day when papa was sick, baby 
Esther took her little doll-quilt and covered him up. Then she gave 
him a kiss and said, "Now feel better;" and papa laughed and said 
he really did feel better. Shouldn't you think he would? 

C:36. Helping Jesus in Heaven. — Little Stella loved to help others 
here. But Jesus called her and now she is in heaven helping Him. 

HOME. 

C:37. Home, Sweet Home. — One day little Rose was trying to sing 
"Home, Sweet Home." And how do you suppose she got it? "Home, 
home, teet home; Be it ever so humble, that's place for me." Mam- 
ma thought that was a pretty nice way of putting it. 

MAKING MISTAKES. 

C:38. Nellie 's Mistakes. — Oh yes, Nellie makes more mistakes than 
bigger boys and girls do; but I don't mind that, for she doesn't make 
as many mistakes as she used to and does a little better every day. 

OBEYING. 

C:39. Obeying Quickly. — Ethel likes to jump and play; but when 
her mamma calls her she goes very quickly. 

C:40. What Mother Says About It. — My mother says she isn't per- 
fect; and makes mistakes. But I know she's real nice and knows a 



CHILDREN'S CORNER. 



great deal more than I do. That's why I ought to be glad to do what 
she tells me to; and that's why she makes me do it, so that I may be 
as nice as she is and perhaps a little nicer, when I grow up. That's 
what she says. Rollo. 

PLAYING. 

C:4i. What Mother Says About Work and Play. — I like play and 
mother says that play is one kind of work, real helpful work. Only 
it's the easiest kind; and she says if I want to be a good, strong wom- 
an, I must do some hard work too; some hard work and some easy 
work, and some very easy work (or play), and do them all nicely. 

Bessie. 

C:42. Playing With Bad Boys and Girls. — Be kind to everybody; 
and don't be proud. But be very careful who you play with, and 
don't make friends with bad boys and girls; for if you do, your heart 
and life will get dirty too. 

C:43. Making a Noise. — Yes, my boy, make plenty of noise; it's 
good for boys; only don't make it except when mother says you may. 

SLEEPING. 

C:44. Early to Bed and Early to Rise. — If I don't get sleep enough, 
it makes me cross; and if I stay in bed and try to sleep when I ought 
to get up and go to work, it makes me cross. So "Early to bed and 
early to rise" is my motto for bed time and morning. James. 

TALKING. 

C:45. When to Talk and When Not to Talk —Boys and girls like to 
talk, and old folks like to hear them. But when the old folks are 
tired, or want to talk themselves, then the young folks ought to keep 
quiet. 

C:46. Talking With Jesus. — Bessie loves to talk with Jesus and 
Jesus helps her every day; for He loves little children and likes to 
have them come to Him for help. 

C:47- Talking with Mamma (or Bible Stories for Baby). — When 
little Minnie was two years old, her mamma used to often sing to her: 

Jesus loves me. this I know, 
For the Bible tells me so; 
Little ones to Him belong; 
They are weak, but He is strong. 



CHILDREN'S CORNER. 89 

And baby would say, "Desus dove baby," and "Baby dove mamma;" 
and then she would ask for some stories about Jesus. In simple, 
baby talk the stories sounded funny; but baby liked them, and mam- 
ma liked them, and papa liked them too. 

THINKING OF OTHERS. 

C:48. Tommy s Clothes. — Tommy's clothes were pretty old; but he 
knew his mother needed a new dress more than he did a new suit of 
clothes; so he would not let her get anything for him. That's the 
kind of a boy I like to see. 

C:49. Fred's Mischief. — Fred likes mischief; but he likes his mother, 
too, and tries to please and honor her; so I don't mind the mischief 
very much. 

C:50. Saying Thank You. — Mother says, "Thank you;" so I like 
to say it too. Sometimes she says it with her tongue and sometimes 
with her eyes; but she says it, and says it plainly, even to boys and 
girls. So I like to say it too. 

C:5i. Shut the Door. — Shut the door, when you come in and when 
you go out; for mamma's feet are not as warm as yours. 

WORKING. 

C:52. First the Work and Then the Play. — When you have some 
work to do that you don't like and some play that you do like, the 
best way is to generally do the work first, and do it nicely. Then you 
will enjoy your work better and enjoy your play better too. 

C:53. Making Blocks. — John gets ends of boards at the carpenter's 
and little wooden boxes at the grocer's, and then for ten or fifteen 
cents he sells a box of blocks which makes a baby's heart shout for 
joy, and even big boys and girls think it's fun to pile up John's blocks. 
Remember, boys, that Christmas is coming and here's a chance for you. 

C:54. Cleaning Mother s Sewing Machine. — Frank cleans the lawn 
mower and then helps cut the grass. He also cleans his mother's 
sewing machine when it gets stuck up and goes hard. 

C:55- Cooking. — I am learning to cook; and on Saturdays I have 
full charge of the dinner and supper. Grace Freeman. 

C:56. Working for Music Lessons. — Mollie Brown helps Mrs. King 
three hours every Saturday, and gets a music lesson in return. 

C:57: Selling Kindlings. — Father bought half a cord of soft wood 
for me; then I sawed and split it and sold it for kindlings. Peter. 



go CHILDREN'S CORNER. 

C:58. Learning How. — The fence board was broken, and Nellie 
mended it. Six nails, two pieces of board and lots of work was what 
it cost. But it will go easier next time; for Nellie is learning how, 
and don't mean to give up in a hurry. 

O59. Saying "Wait a Minute." — Madge likes to say, "Wait a min- 
ute," when her mamma tells her to do something. But mamma says, 
"No, the best way is to do it Now, if you can." 

C:6o. Lucy's Garden. — Lucy's garden is very small; but it's big 
enough for Lucy; and the leaves and flowers are very pretty and give 
Lucy lots of work to do. 

C:6i. Lucy's Birthday. — It was Lucy's birthday, and what do you 
suppose one of her presents was? A pound of shingle nails! and 
Lucy thought it was one of the nicest presents she had. 



INDEX. 



Definitions are in italics. 

Numbers refer to sections and paragraphs. 

C refers to the Children's Corner, which begins on Page 83. 

Kindred Topics (or K Ts) refers the reader to topics in other parts of the book 
which are closely related to the one in hand and are worth studying in the same 
connection. 

Capitals. — When single words (like Love and Truth) are spelled with a capital, 
they are Section Titles; but when capitals are not used (as in worry and haste), the 
reference can be found only by looking first in the index. 

Stars. — A star over a word also refers to the index; e. g., Haste* - 

Brackets. — Topics in brackets — e. g. [Policy] — have not as yet been discussed 
in any part of the book; but keeping them in mind may help the reader in his 
studies. 



Ability- 
Ability and Failure 102:2 

Ability and Happiness 45 7 

Abuse— 
K Ts, Ingratitude, Selfishness 

and Temper. 
Also see Bearing Wrong. 

Accepting God's Offers 76:8 

Accidents — 

Judging Them too Harshly 14:5 

Also see Suffering and Misfort- 
unes, esp., 89:3 and 63:1. 

Accommodating Others — See favors. 

Accuracy — 

How far is it Desirable? 59:3 

Knowing What to let Alone 98:1 

Also see insight and skill. 

Acknowledgments — 
See Gratitude and Talking. 

Actions and Words 35:1 and 55:1 

Advantages — See Opportunities. 
Advice — Section i. 

Affability— See Talking. 
Affectation — Section 2. 



Affection- 
Misplaced Affection 17:3 and 1 

Importance of Affectionateness 

at Home 4954. 

K Ts, Friendship, Loneliness, 

Home, Courtship, Marriage, 

and Love. 

Affliction — See Suffering and Mourners. 

Afraid— See fear. 

Agnosticism- 
How to Find God 40:2 

Objections to Prayer 76:5 to 8 

Also see Godliness and reason. 

Aims — 

Aims in Business 10:1 

Aims of a Happy Life 45:8 

Also see Plans. 

Aimlessness — 
Aimlessness Wrongly so Called, 15:1 

Effects of Real Aimlessness 31:1 

Also see Carelessness and Dis- 
couragement. 

Airs — See putting on airs. 

Alcoholic Drinks— See Temperance. 

Alienation — See misunderstandings. 



(91) 



9 2 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Ambition— Longing for great pow- 
er over men, or great honor 
among men. 
Ambition Not Always Wrong ... 5 1 :2 

Selfish Ambition 86:1 and 2 

Dangers; Restlessness, haste, 

and Selfishness. 
K Ts, Day-Dreams, Hope and 
Pride. 

Amiability — 

Proper See Kindness 

Improper 32:1 and 55:2 

Amusements — 

See Rest, pleasure and play. 
Analysis — 

Is Often Helped by Silent 
Watching and Broken Thought 

101:3 and 96:1 
Anger— Section 3. 

Animals C:i7and 18 

Annoyances — 

K Ts, Crossness, Temper and 
Judging Others Unjustly.— Al- 
so see Burdens and 76:2. 
Anticipations — 

See Hopes and Disappointments. 
Anxiety — 

Knowing Jesus Better 56:1 

To-morrow's Burdens 9:3 

Also see worry, fear, Burdens 
and Prayer. 
Appearances — That small part of 
the truth of which we are con- 
scious at any one time, as dis- 
tinguished from the whole 
truth. 
But appearances are often very 

deceptive. 
Apparent Confusion Between 

Right and Wrong 28:10 

Seemingly Conflicting Duties. . . 28:8 
Also see Guess-Work and 98:6. 
Appreciation — 

K Ts, Sympathy and Praise. 
Arbitrary— BeingArbitrary. 

K Ts, conceit and Guess Work. 
Arguments— Section 4. 

Argumentativeness — 

Talking Too Much 91:1 and 2 

Also see Arguments. 



Art— 

K T, Love of Beauty Section 6 

Aspiration — 

K Ts, Hope, self-respect and 
Pride. 

Association of Ideas- 
Two Ways of Correcting, Chang- 
ing and Controlling It 101:3 

For other helps see, Memory, 
Books, Study, Habit, etc. 
Atheism — 
Different Kinds and Their Cure, 40:2 
Also see Agnosticism. 
Attractiveness — 

■ K Ts, loveliness and influence. 
Authority- 
Authority in the Home . . 14:2, 3^4, 7 etc. 
Also see punishment and law. 
Avarice — See covetousness. 
Axioms — 
Axioms of Right and Duty, 

28:2, 3 and 5 
How to Approach the Axiomatic 

in the Statement of Truth 98:2 

Even Axioms are often Misap- 
plied 98:6 

Babies — 

Unaccountable Crossness of 14:3 

Also other topics under Children. - 

Baby's Letter C:22 

Backsliders — 

God's Treatment of 29:4 

Sometimes Advice Can do Them 

No Good « N 1 :\ 

How and When to Rebuke 
Them and Not Rebuke Them, 

79-1 and all of sec. 54 
A repentant ■ backslider should 
study very carefully sections 
28, 29 and 76. 
Bad Luck — 

See Suffering and Misfortunes. 
Also see luck. 
Bad Temper — See Temper. 

Baffling Problems 87:4 

Bankruptcy Laws. . . Page 5 of Appendix 
Bashful Silence — 

Don't Carry It Too Far 91:1 

Baxter, Mrs. Lydia— Quoted 89:1 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



93 



Bearing Burdens— See Burden 

Bearing. 
Bearing Wrong— Section 5 

Beauty and Love of Beauty- 
Section 6 

Bed Time ; or Early to Bed C 44 

Belief — Any statement which we 
accept as true on the testimony 
of another. 

We cannot get along without be- 
liefs; and properly used (98:5 
and 6) they are a most blessed 
help in life's work. 

For K Ts see Truth, Thought, 
and opinion. 

Also see credulity. 
Benevolence (or love at work) — 

As a Motive in Business and Life 10:1 

As a Source of Happiness and 
Growth 45 :8 and 61 :$ 

Also see Love. 

Besetting Sins— Section 7 

Bible- 
Bible Verses and Stories for 

Johnnie C :3 to 16 

Telling Baby Bible Stories G47 

For lists of Bible verses quoted 
or referred to see titles of sev- 
eral books. 



Bigotry — A well-meaning, but nar- 
row, short-sighted and unchar- 
itable earnestness. 
See earnestness; and study 
carefully Section 54. 
Bimetalism — 
An Improved Form of, 

Page 6 of Appendix 

Birds and Animals C:i7 and 18 

Bitter Feelings — 
Study carefully Unhappiness, 
Temper and hatred. 
Bitter Suffering- 
See Unhappiness. 
Blame — 
Sometimes just; sometimes very 

unjust. 
For K Ts see "Judging and Criti- 
cising." 

For Explanations See Page gi 



Blaming Others for Our Own Un- 
happiness 100:1 

Blessings- 
Born of Suffering, 

89:4, 6 and 8 and 58:1 

God's Larger Blessings 40:4 

Noticing the Little Ones 95:1 

Blindness — 
K Ts, Guess Work, [Ignorance] 
and Perplexity. 
Blues- 
Praying Over Them 76:1 and 2 

What Does God Require of Us? 40:6 

W r hen Cheer Grows Dim 13:2 

Misusing Our Ideals 52:1 

K Ts, Loneliness, Discourage- 
ment and Dread. — Also over- 
work and worry. 
Blunders — 
K Ts, Guess Work and Careless- 
ness. 
Boisterousness — See noise. 
Books— Section 8 
Books and Papers (Children's Cor- 
ner) Ciigto 24 

Books of Remembrance 12:3 

Bookishness — 

Too Much Reading 8:2 

Not Seeing the Truth Clearly. . . 98:3 
Boring Others — 
Causes: sometimes conceit and 
Selfishness; sometimes Loneli- 
ness and inexperienced enthu- 
siasm. See each. 
Borrowing — 

See favors, Debts and mortgages. 
Boys — (Something on almost every 
page.) 
Also see Home, Children and The 
Children's Corner, page 83. 

Brain — Clear and Quiet 82:1 

Brevity — 

Importance of in Advice Giving, 1:3 
Bright Side of Life— 
The Bright Side Explained, 

58:1 and 16:1 
Look at the Bright Side First... 58:2 
Are You Sure There Is a Bright 
Side? 58:3 



94 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Importance of Seeing the Bright 

Side Clearly 897 

Bungler — An unskillful, careless, 
and yet conceited workman. 
See Carelessness and conceit. 
Buoyancy — 
K Ts. health, Happiness and 
Day-Dreams. 
Burden Bearing— Section 9 

Business— Section 10 

For Business Failures, Profit- 
Sharing, etc., see Appendix. 
Buying — 

By Exchange of Work 48:4 

Versus Making for Yourself 48:5 

Buying Things We Do Not Re- 
ally Need 15:5 

Calamities- 
See Misfortunes and Suffering. 
Cant— 
The Cant of Others .is No Ex- 
cuse for Truth Despising 98:1 

Capital and Labor — 

Pages 4 and 5 of Appendix 
Care — Has two meanings. 

See anxiety and carefulness. 
Carefulness — 

Keeping clearly in mind what 
it is we have set out to accom- 
plish. 
Shall We Spend Time on Little 

Things? 59:3 

How Quickly Shall We Try to 

Do Our Work? 78:1 

K Ts, Watchfulness, Plans, Try- 
ing, etc. 
For opposites see Carelessness, 
haste and Guess Work. 
Carelessness— Section ii 

Also see shiftlessness. 

Castle Building — See Day-Dreams. 

Casuistry— When to Avoid It? 98:1 

Certainty — See axioms and sure. 
Chafing — 
A restless longing for more free- 
dom. 
K Ts, Restlessness and Difficul- 
ties. 



Chances — See Opportunities. 

Change — 

Changing Our Plans 71:1 

Little Changes Often Helpful. . . 30:1 
Longing for it Impatiently Sec. 83 

Character — Section 12 

Charity in Judging Others — 
See Judging. 

Chastity — See sexual sins. 

Cheap — "It's Cheap." 
See buying. 

Cheating — See Dishonesty. 

Cheerfulness— Section 13. 

Childish— 
Having many of the faults of a 
child. 

Childlike— 
Having many of the lovely traits 
of childhood. 

Children— Section 14. 

Children's Corner— Pages 83 to 90 

Choosing Wisely — 
It's Good; But Do You Need It? 15:5 

The Love Test 102:6 

Going Against the Grain 15:2 

Christ — Section 56. 

Christians — 

Attractive Christians 45 :g and 56:2 

Happy Christians 45:8 and 56:1 

Unhappy Christians 100:2 and 40:8 

For K Ts, see Godliness and 
Knowing Jesus. 
Christianity — 
See topics like Godliness, Prayer, 
Knowing Jesus, etc. 
Christlikeness — 
Some helps in attaining it and 

some of its fruits All of Sec. 56 

Circumstances — 

Something on nearly every page; 
but esp. see Life and Thought. 
Citizenship — 
See Political Problems. 
Civil Service Reform 

Page 8 of Appendix 
Clannishness — 

K Ts, Selfishness, conceit and 
Unhappiness. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



95 



Classifying Thoughts 87:1 and 2 

Clear and Quiet Brain 82:1 

Clear Insight— See insight. 
Clear Sighted— See insight. 
Clearness of Statement — 

One Element of Power 98:2 

Closeness — See covetousness. 
Coarseness — 

K Ts, [Ignorance] and sexual 
sins. 
Coldness — 

K Ts, Temper, conceit and 
Crossness. 
Combativeness — 

See Temper and Judging Others. 
Combinations of Labor and Capital — 

Page 4 of Appendix 



Comfort — 

When to Seek for It and How to 

Really Find It at Last 32:1 

Where to Generally Seek It 

Evenings 33 :I 

K Ts, Kindness, Rest and pleas- 
ure. 
Comforting Others- 
Study carefully Life, Love, Kind- 
ness, Godliness, Prayer, Jesus, 
Sympathy, Truth. Cheer, Suf- 
fering, Example, How to Help 
Discourag'd People ; and many 
others. 
Common Place Books- 
Why Envelopes Are Often Bet- 
ter 87:1 and 2 

Common Sense — 
Being quick to see what is the 
most sensible thing to do and 
then doing it. 
In its higher forms it is the same 

as Wisdom. 
K Ts, insight and Watchfulness; 
wisdom and Doing Right; al- 
so avoiding Guess Work. 
Communicativeness — See Talking. 
Compatibility — 
See Courtship and Marrying. 

Compensation- 
See Suffering and Life. 



Complaining — A Complaining 
Spirit. 
See Discontent. 
Compliments— See Praise. 
Conceit — 

A misplaced and short-sighted 
pride which makes us try to 
cover up otir faults by thinking 
too often of the faults of others 
and of our own strong points. 
to do; 



54=3 



A very foolish thing 
for sooner or later it is sure 
to cripple us sadly. 
Study carefully the first part of 
98:1; also 54:9 and 77:1. 

Condemning Too Persistently 

K Ts, Crossness and some other 
parts of sec. 54. 
Conduct in General — Section 15. 
Confession — 

Confessing Our Faults to God, 14:11 

To Ourselves 54:9 and 12:5 

And Sometimes to Our Children, 14:9 

Conflicting Duties 28:8 

Confusion — Mental 

See Guess-Work, Perplexity and 
Thought; also 28:6 and 10. 
Conscience — 

The leadings of our deeper life. 
See esp. 28:2, 3 and 5 and 96:2. 
But also study the whole sec- 
tion on Doing Right, where it 
is often referred to, though not 
by name. 

Conscience Never Silent 28:5 

Conscientiousness — 
A habitual strong desire to do 

what is right. 
But Conscientiousness Alone Is 

Not Enough 100:2 and 28:2 

Consciousness — See appearances. 
Consecration — 

K Ts, Godliness, benevolence 
and holiness. 

Consequences— Section 16 

Considerate — Being Considerate Is 
one form of Kindness. — See 
Kindness. 

Consistency and Power 47:5 

For Explanations See Page gi. 



96 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Contempt for Others 54=5 

Contentment (in its higher forms,) 
K Ts, Godliness, Doing Right 

and Happiness. 
For opposites see Discontent. 
Controversy — 
K Ts, discussion, Differences of 
Opinion, Criticising (sec. 54)- 
and misunderstandings. 
Conversation — 
See Talking, discussion and Ar- 
guments. 
Convictions — 
K Ts, knowledge, opinion, 
Thoughts, belief, Truth, etc. 
Cooking- 
Learning to Cook. : C:55 

Co-operation — 

On a Small Scale 48:4 

On a Larger Scale, see profit- 
sharing. 
Cordiality — 
K Ts, Kindness, Love and Cheer- 
fulness. 

Corinthians — 1 Cor. 3:9 9:1 

Corporations — Page 4 of Appendix 

Courage — 
Mere recklessness is often mis- 
taken for courage. — See Reck- 
lessness. — But true courage, 
even in a savage breast springs 
from insight, love of right and 
prayer, though these may some- 
times be very dim. 
Courtesy — See politeness. 
Courts of Equity — Page 5 of Appendix 
Courtship — Section 17 

Covetousness — 
Only Makes Men Restless and 

Unhappy 10:1 and 64:1 

Also the whole of Section 64. 
Cowardice — An unmanly and slav- 
ish fear. 
It springs from a mixture of self- 
ishness, shame and long con- 
continued wrong-doing. 
Cure: new and purer ambitions. 
Credit — See borrowing. 



Credulity — Believing a thing on 
very poor evidence. 
For ways of guarding against it 
see beliefs and Guess Work. 
Creed — 
Any formal statement of what 
we know and believe in regard 
to God. 
See beliefs, God and Truth. 
Criticising Others— Section 54 
Crossness— Section 18 

Crudity — 
Can be overcome by patient 
■ practice and more care . in 
choosing and arranging one's 
work. 
How to Perfect Crude Thoughts, 

87:1 and 2 
Crying- 
Does It Do Any Good? C:27 

Curiosity — 
A rather aimless and superficial 
desire for knowledge ; often 
unhealthy, but by no means 
always. 

Currency Laws Page 6 of Appendix 

Cynicism — 

Study sections 54 and 79. 

Dark Side of Life 16:2 

Darkness — Section 19. 

Day-Dreams — Section 20. 

Death- 
See Mourners, Loneliness, and 
Heaven. 
Debates — 

See discussion. 
Debts— Section 21. 

Deciding Perplexing Questions of 

Present Duty 28:3 

Deduction — See theory. 
Deformity— See Suffering. 
Dejection — 

K Ts, blues and Discouragement. 
Delay — 
K Ts, Postponing and Disap- 
pointment. 

Delusions — 
How to Recognize Them. .98:6 and 96:2 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



97 



Democratic and Other Parties 
Criticised Page 2 of Appendix 

Depression — 

K Ts, sickness and blues. 
Desires — See longings. 
Despair — 

It is Never Too Late; If You 

Will Only Do Your Part 67:2 

And It's Not Too Late to Pray. 80:2 
Also see Darkness and Hope. 
Despising Little Opportunities... 67:1 

Despising Little Duties 29:2 and 3 

Despising Others 54:5 

Despondency — 

K Ts, Exaggeration. Guess- 
Work, too much Thinking, ov- 
erwork, blues, etc. 
For its opposites see Hopeful- 
ness and 58:3. 

Details— See Little Things. 

Deuteronomy 33:25 9:3 

Differences — See misunderstandings. 

Differences of Opinion — 

Section 22. 

Difficulties— Section 23. 

Diffidence 91: 1 

Digesting What We Read, 8:1 and 2 

Diligence — See industry. 

Disadvantages — 

See Suffering, Opportunities and 
Difficulties. 
Disagreeable People — 

See Criticising (54) Rebuking 
and Bearing Wrong. 

Disagreeable Work — 
When to Do It; and Why It Is 

So Disagreeable. .102:3 and also 31:1 
Also see Suffering. 

Disagreements — Great and Small. 
See misunderstandings and Dif- 
ferences of Opinion. 

Disappointment — Section 24. 

Disapproval — Just and Unjust. 
Just Disapproval; How to Rec- 
ognize It 3:2 



For Unjust Disapproval, see or- 
dinary Anger, Temper, and 
much of our Criticism, Sec. 54. 
Discernment — 
See insight, wisdom, common 
sense and tact. 
Discipline — 

See obedience and punishment. 
Discipline — Mental 
See Study, Thought, insight, 
Watchfulness, etc. 

Discomfort — 
For K Ts see Suffering and com- 
fort. 



Discontent — 
Discouragement- 



Section 25 
Section 26 



Discretion — 

See wisdom and insight. 
For its opposites see Guess Work 
and Recklessness. 

Discussion — 

Talking Too Long 91 :2 and 1 

Using the Truth Unwisely 98 : 1 

Translating What Others Say . . 54:8 
Spending Time on Little Things, 59:3 
Why Honest Men Can Differ. . . 22:1 
Also see Arguments and Truth. 

Disheartened— See Discouragement. 

Dishonesty— Section 27 

Disinclination — Is of two sorts. 
See impulses, Dread and Drudg- 
ery. 

Disinterestedness — 

K Ts, unselfishness, benevolence 
and Love. 

Disliking People- 
Study Patience, Criticising (Sec. 
54) Temper, etc. 

Disliking Work — 
See Dread, Drudgery and lazi- 
ness. 
Disobedience— See obedience. 

Disorder — 
K Ts, Perplexity and often care- 
lessness. 



For Explanations See Page qi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Disputes — 
See misunderstandings, Temper 
and Talking. 
Dissatisfaction — 

See Discontent, Unhappiness 
and Disappointment. 
Dissipation — 
K Ts, Restlessness, intemper- 
ance, sexual sins and Unhap- . 
piness. 
Distrust In God — 

Its Consequences 4o;8 and 100:2 

Also see trusting. 
Docility — 

How Far Desirable and Why . , . I :i 

Learning by Experience .. 102:2 

Dodging the Truth — 
See evasion. 

Dodging an Untrue, But Plausible 
Argument — 
See Watchfulness, insight and 
[Practice] and also 101:3. 
Does It Pay?— 
Carelessly Chosen Work, 

97:1 and 78:1 
Wrong Things That Look Right, 29:1 

Doing Good — 
See Helping Others. 

Doing Right — Section 28 

Doing Wrong — Section 29 

Dollar — Its True Measure, 

Page 6 of Appendix 
Domineering — 
Cure: give the domineering per- 
son a chance to see that he is 
not quite as big as he thinks; 
but do it kindly, 79:1. 
Doubt- 
Doubt in Regard to God 40:2 

Doubt as to Our Duty 28:6 

Also see Darkness, Perplexity, 
Guess-Work, Thought, pessi- 
mism and negations. 

Dread — Section 30. 

Dreams — See Day-Dreams. 



Dress — 

See love of beauty, economy and 
fashion. 

Drifting — 

Chosing the Easiest Way Sec. 32 

Also see laziness, Discourage- 
ment and 73:1. 

Drink — See Temperance. 

Drudgery— Section 31 

Drunkards — Repentant. 
See Temperance. 

Dullness — 
Often Due to an Overloaded 

Brain 96:1, last part 

For cure see 96:1 and 101:3. 

Duties— Moral 

See Doing Right. 
Duties— Custom House 

See tariff. 

Dwelling on the Hard Things 89:3 

Early to Bed C 44 

Earnestness — 

K Ts, Love, Watchfulness and 
Hope; and a sense of the great 
importance of one's work. 

The Easiest Way— Section 32 

Eating Too Much— Mentally 8:2 

Economy — 

Reasons for Being Economical 

in General 15:5 

Economy of Strength See Rest 

True Economy of Time 78:1 

False Economy of Time 97:1 

Economy of Money in Hard 
Times 15:5 and 48:5 

Education — 
K Ts, Books, Children, Study 
and many others. 

Effects — See Consequences. 

Effort— . 

See Trying, Work and overwork. 

Egotism — 

K Ts, conceit and Pride. 

Employers and Employees — 

Pages 3 and 5 of Appendix 



For Explanations See Page qi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



99 



Employment — 

See Opportunities, Work and Hints 
for Hard Times. 
Emulation — Dangers of 
See 'ambition, Selfishness and super- 
ficiality. 

Encouragement — 

See Praise and Success. 

Enemies — 

Loving Them 5:1 

Feeding Them C 113 

Energy— 
For wise uses of, see Work, Rest, Try- 
ing and Success. 
For unwise uses of, see 101:1, 102:1 and 
28:5. 

Enjoyment — 

Enjoying Our Work 45:3 and 4.7:10 

Enjoying What's Right 13:3 

Enjoying God's Love 40:7 and 76:2 

Enjoying Christ's Love 56:1 

Also see Happiness and pleasure. 

Enoch, the Friend of God C:g 

Enough — See 15:5. 

Enterprise — 

See energy, Trying and Success. 

Enthusiasm — A deep and satisfy- 
ing love for one's work. 

For the secret of enthusiasm see 
45:8. 

Also see earnestness. 

Envelopes — 
How to use them in Classifying 

Thoughts 87:1 and 2 

Envy — 
See Selfishness and 45:6. 

Ephesians — 4:26 3:1 

4:32.... C:8 

Equity, Courts of — Page 5 of Appendix 

Error — 

Using Truth Unwisely 98:1 

Truth and Error How Related. . 98:4 
Tests of Truth and of Error, 

98:5 and 6 
Also see Guess Work and mis- 
takes. 



Ethics — The general science and 

theory of right. 
. Enables us to see more quickly 
where duty probably lies; but 
taken alone is not a safe guide 
in actually deciding what to 
do, as it may lead us into er- 
rors which only the deeper in- 
sight of conscience can cor- 
rect 28:3 and 2 

Evasion — Trying to dodge a disa- 
greeable truth or charge in- 
stead of manfully facing it. 

K. T's Postponing and Excuses. 
Lying, Guess-Work, fear and 
self-deception. 

But N. B. all dodging is not eva- 
sion.— See dodging. 

Evenings— Section 33 

Evil- 
See Wrong Doing (Sec. 29) and 
Suffering; for the word is used 
in these two very different 
senses. 
Exactness — 

How Far to Carry It 59:3 

Exaggeration— Section 34 

Example— Section 35 

Excess — See "too much." 

Exchanging Work 48 4 

Excitement — 

K. T's Restlessness, Perplexity, 
haste and Guess-Work. 

Exciting Books. Study Sec. 8 

Excuses— Section 36 

Also see evasion. 
Excusing Our Own Faults 54:9 

Exhaustion- 
Is Often Wholly Unnecessary. 

102:1 and 97:1 
Exodus 20:12 C:i5 

Expectations — 

See Plans, Hopes, Thoughts, 
Disappointments, etc. 
Experience — 

Being Willing to Learn From,. 102:2 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Explanations — 

Explaining versus Knowing 58:3 

Are not Always Helpful 28:11 

Should Not be Too Long 91:1 

Extravagance — See economy. 
Extremes and Extremists — 

See Guess-Work, Exaggeration, 
and Restlessness. 

Also study carefully 98:1 

Facts — 

K. T's Truth and knowledge. 
Failings — See faults. 
Failure — 

One of Its Commonest Causes, 

43:2 and 15:3 

Weeds and Failure 15-3 

Profiting by Our Failures, 102:2 

Failures in Business, Page 5 

of Appendix. 
Also see Success, Carelessness, 
&c. 
Fairness — 
Being just in little tilings, or in 
what seem to us to be little 
things. 
Fairness in Judging Religion. . . 40:10 

Fairness in Judging Others 54:6 

Also see justice and Love. 
Faith- 
See trusting and beliefs. 
Faithfulness — 

Is Sure of a Reward 48:2 

K Ts, Patience and Love of 
Right, Sec. 28. 
Fallacies — 

K Ts, Guess Work and word 
proofs. 
Fallen Men and Women — 

See sexual sins, Discouragement, 
Loneliness, etc. 
Fame — 

See ambition and Praise. 
Family Life — 
See Home, Children, Marriage, 
etc. 

Fascination — 
Being reminded of some hoped 
for and Attainable but as yet 



unattained pleasure so vividly 
that we are in danger of going 
ahead blindly and only bring- 
ing disappointment upon our- 
selves. 
K Ts, Day-Dreams, Restless- 
ness, Guess Work and too 
great Haste* Also see Lone- 
liness. 
Fashion — 

When to Follow It 1:1 

Love of Beauty 6.1 

Fatalism — See pessimism. 
Fathers — 
See Home and Children; esp. 

49:1 and 14:12 
Faults — Our Own. 

Trying to Overcome Them 12:5 

Excusing Them 54:9 and 14:10 

Our Faults and Our Children, 

14:10 and 9 
Going into Repentance Corner. . 14:11 
Also se'e Besetting Sins. 
Faults — Other People's. 
See Section 54. 

Fault Finding 54:3 and 7 

Also see Crossness. 
Favors — 

When to Grant Them and When 

Not 55:2 

Doing WroDg to Please a Friend 39:2 
F ear — A proper or impr-oper draw- 
ing back from pain; generally 

excessive. 
See Exaggeration, Perplexity, 
Dread, Suffering and worry. 

Fear of consequences 16:3 

"Feed My Lambs" C:5 

Feelings — 
More or less unexplained im- 
pulses or perceptions. 
When to Trust Them and When 

Not 15:1 

Fickleness — 

Often Changing one s mind with- 
out sufficient reason. 
See "disagreeable work;" lazi- 
ness, fear, etc. Its opposite is 
stability. 



For Explatiations See Page qi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



For proper change of plans see 




Friction — 


Section 71. 




See Difficulties, Suffering, Cross- 


Fiction — See novels. 




ness, disagreeable, etc. 


Fidgets— See Restlessness. 




Friendliness — 
See Friendship, Kindness, Love, 


Fighting It Out With Yourself. . . 


3:3 


etc. 


Finding the Good in a Man 


474 


Friendship— Section 39 


Firmness with Children 


14:7 


Also see in Children's Corner 




C:28 and 29 


Fitness — See Success, carefulness, 
insight, etc. 




Frivolity — Pleasure seeking and 
7nerriment so ill-timed and ill- 


Flattery — Insincere praise. 




chosen as to only intoxicate, 


See Praise and 39:2. 




and leave us lonelier than be- 


Flirtation — 




fore {jj. :6). 


Is It a Little Thing? 


59:1 


See Restlessness, Loneliness, 


Also see Courtship, Loneliness 


Guess Work, Talking, etc. 


and Meanness. 




Frugality— For K T see economy. 


Flowers — See nature. 




Fun — Meanness and Fun 62:1 


Fluency — 




Fussiness — Making one's self and 


See Talking and style. 




others uncomfortable by having 


Fools — 




too many set rules as to just 


Two Fools Instead of One 


92:4 


how everything must be done. 


Also see Doing Wrong, Dishon- 




(But remember that little 


esty, Selfishness, etc. 




things may be so used as to be 


Folly- 




exceedingly helpful.) 


Well Meant Folly, 29:9, 28:14, 




See esp 59:3, and also 18:1 and 43:1 


43:1, 86:4, 106 


2, etc 


Future — The Future. 


Being a Fool, or Being Called 




To-morrow's Burdens 9:3 


One 


29:10 


Also see Hope, anxiety and 


Foreign Relations — 




worry. 


Page 8 of Appendix. 




Gambling — Trying to get posses- 


Foreman and Partner 


10:2 


sion of the property of others 


Foresight — 
Is one form of insight. See in- 


by games of chance. — A most 
degrading form of stealing; 


sight. 




though not now so called. 




For K Ts see Recklessness, 


Forgetting— Section 37 


Restlessness, Selfishness, Dis- 


Forgiveness— Section 38 


honesty and Doing Wrong. 


Fornication— See sexual sins. 




Generalizations — 


Forwardness — 




How to use them properly 28:3 


Thrusting One's Self Forward. . 


91:1 


Also see Thought and Truth. 


Forwardness in Study — Dangers 




Generosity — Has two meanings: 


of - 96:motto 


(1) Willingness to spend one's 


Fraud — See Dishonesty. 




?noney or property for the good 


Fretfulness — Crossness caused in 




of others: and (2) Willingness 


part by sickness. 




to forgive a wrong. 


For treatment see Discourage- 




Its opposites are stinginess, Self- 


ment and Crossness. 




ishness and resentment. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



For K Ts, see Money, Forgive- 
ness, stinginess, resentment, 
etc. 

Genesis— 32:26 14:11 

5:24 C:o 

Genius — 
Having great powers of insight 
and imagination, though even 
these are often developed in a 
very one-sided and imperfect 
way. 
K Ts, insight, ability and imagin- 
ation. 
Gentleness — 
K Ts, tenderness, Kindness and 

Pity. 
For opposites see roughness and 
harshness. 
Getting Cross — See Crossness. 
Getting Discouraged — See Dis- 
couragement. 
Getting Mad — See Temper. 
Girls — 

(Something on almost every 

page.) 
Also see Home, Children and 

The Children's Corner. 
Giving — 

Giving Love, See Love, Sympa- 
thy, Pity, etc. 

Giving Happiness 45:5 

Giving Help, See Helping. 
Gladness — 

K Ts, Happiness, Love and 

pleasure. 
Opposites, Unhappiness and 
gloom. 

Gloominess — 
See pessimism and blues. 
Opposites, Hopefulness and 
gladness. 

Glorifying and Enjoying God.... 40:7 

Gluttony — See 15:5. 

God- 
God's Care For Us 40:12 

God's Character 40:3 

God's Requirements of Man 40:6 

The Peace of God 40:13 



God's Way of Satisfying 40:5 

How to Find God 40:2 

Our Wiser Partner g:i 

And many others under Godli- 
ness, Prayer, etc. 

Godliness— Section 40 

Going Against the Grain 15:2 

Gold and Silver — 

Page 6 of Appendix 
Good Example — See Example, 
Goodness — 

Goodness and Happiness 45:1 

Goodness and Humility 51:1 

Goodness — Real Proof of...:.. 12:4 
Also see, Doing Right and 
Godliness, and many other 
topics. 

Good News Books 12:3 

Good News Books for Children. . . C:ig 

Good News Cards 12:2 

Good News Reports 12:2 

Good Resolutions — See Trying. 
Good Time — 

Wanting to Have a Good Time . 45 :6 
Good Will— 

K Ts, Kindness, benevolence, 
Love and Helping. 

Gossip— Section 41 

Governing Children — See Children. 
Government — 

Section 72 and Appendix 

Gratitude— Section 42 

Greatness — 

Foundations Where Laid : . 12:1 

Growth— Section 12 

Grudges — 

Why We Can't Forget Them. . . 37:1 

Also see Hatred. 
Grumbling — See fault finding. 
Guess Work— Section 43 

Habit— Section 44 

For Bad Habits see Temptation 
and Besetting Sins. 

Half Hearted— See Drudgery. 
For its opposites see heartiness. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY 



103 



Half-Truths— 
How to Profit by Them.. 98:4 and 54:8 
Also see opinions. 

Happiness— Section 45 

Hardships — 
See Suffering, Hard Times (Sec. 

48), Poverty, etc. 
For opposites see comfort. 
Hard Things — 

Dwelling on Them 89:3 

Also see Drudgery and disagree- 
able. 
Hard Times — 

See Hints for Hard Times. 
Harshness— Undue severity. 

See Temper, Anger, Rebuke and Judg- 
ing, 
Its opposite is gentleness. 
Haste — Too much hurry. 

"I Haven't Time," 97: 1 

"I've Got to Do It," 102:1 

When Not to Hurry 23:1 and 78:1 

Also see Restlessness, Quick- 
ness and Guess Work. 

Hating Our Work 31:1 

For opposites see enthusiasm 
and Love. 
Hatred — Disliking a person so 
blindly or selfishly that we 
wottld like to injure them. 
K T's, Temper and excitement: 
or Selfishness and shame. 
Haughtiness — 
One form of misplaced pride. 
See Pride, Selfishess and con- 
ceit. 
Health- 
Taking Time to Care for It 97:1 

Not Letting Your Work Drive 

You 102:1 

Also see Rest, Work, Home 
Evenings, etc. 

Heartiness — Doing our work very 
willingly, because of a clear, 
strong love for some of those who 
are to be benefited by it. 

Doing Little Things Heartily 59:3 

Also see cordiality. 



Heaven— Section 46 

Heaviness— See dullness. 

Heedlessness — Extreme carelessness. 
See Carelessness. 

Helping Jesus in Heaven 0:36 

Helping Mamma 0:30 

Helping Others— Section 47 

Also see 0:30 to 36. 

Heroism — 

K. Ts. courage and being will- 
ing to suffer for the good of 
others when necessary. 
See courage, Love and Suffering. 

Hesitation — Proper and Improper. 
What to Do When in Doubt .... 28:6 
What Does Hesitation Show?. . 102:5 
K. Ts. irresolution and Postpon- 
ing. 

Hindrances — 
See Difficulties, Perplexity, &c. 

Hints for Hard Times— Section 48 

Holiness — That higher, happier 
life, which co?nes to those who 
give themselves up eagerly to 
trusting and loving God a?id 
helping in His work of love for 
man.' 
See Godliness, Prayer, Love, &c. 

Home — Section 49 
Home, Sweet Home, G37 

Homeliness — 
See Loneliness and Suffering. 

Homesickness — See Loneliness. 

Honesty — 

See Business, Dishonesty. 

Love, Right, &c. 
Honest Differences of Opinion. . 22:1 

Honor — 

Honoring Our Parents C:i5 

Also see Pride, Praise and Rep- 
utation. 

Hope and Hopefulness — Section 50 

"A Hopeful Sign" 12:5 

Hopelessness- 
How to Find the Light Again. . 19:1 

Lost Opportunities 67 :2 

Also see Prayer and Jesus. 



For Explanatiotis See Page gi. 



104 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



K Ts, Discouragement, Loneli- 


Idle Moments 


48:5 


ness, despair, etc. 


Idle Hands 


14:1 


For opposites, see Hopefulness. 


Also see laziness, Selfishness 




Housekeeping and Housework — 


Carelessness and Opportu- 




(In your own home or some 


nities. 




one else's.) 


Its opposites are well directed 




Study carefully Example (47:3), 


industry and Love. 




Opportunities and many other 


Ignorance, (or Not Knowing) — 




parts of the book; for the 


Is Due partly to inexperience 




greatness or littleness of your 


and partly to persistent guess- 




work depends wholly on the 


work. 




way in which it is done. 


See Guess-Work and knowledge. 




How to Start Up the Ladder 48:2 


Illusions — Mistaken ideas of life 




Humiliation — 


which are so full of truth as to 




See Suffering, Pride and Humil- 


be often helpful in spite of the 




ity. 


error that is mixed with them. 




Humility — Section 51 


For K T's, See appearances and 




Hungering for Righteousness- 


Guess-Work. 




See title page; and 89:5. 


Also see error and Thought. 




Hurry — 


Imagination — 




May be either proper or improp- 


See Books, Day-Dreams, Thought 


s 


er. 


illusions, memory, etc. 




For improper hurry, see haste 


Imitation— 




and Quickness. 


K T's, Example, belief, Friend- 




For proper hurry, see Quickness. 


ship, etc. 




Hurting the Feelings of Others. . . 55:3 


Immodesty — See sexual sins. 




Husbands — 


Immorality — See sexual sins. 




See Marriage (Sec. 17), Home 


Impatience — 




and scores of other topics. 


Misusing our Ideals 


52:1 


Hypocrisy — Pretending from self- 


How to Stop Runaway Thoughts 


96:1 


ish motives to be better than we 


Also see Restlessness, Careless- 




really are. 


' ness, haste, Guess Work, Cross- 




See Doing Wrong, Selfishness 


ness, Temper, etc. 




and Unhappiness. 


Its opposites are Patience, en- 




Its opposite is real goodness and 


thusiasm, industry, Love, etc. 




real love for what is right. 


Imperfection — In Ourselves and 




"I Can't," "I Don't," etc.— See Ex- 


Others. 




cuses. 


See faults. 




"I Haven't Time" 97 :I 


Impetuosity — 








Ideas — 


See haste, impulses, Temper, 




See Thoughts, Ideals, memory, 


Guess-Work, &c. 




etc. 


Its opposites are carefulness, and 




Ideals— Section 52. 


being sure; see "sure" and 
"carefulness." 




Idleness — 






An aimless, selfish way of living 


Importance of Things — 




Very dangerous and demoral- 


Often Greater Than It Seems 




izing. 


59:1 and 28:8 


It Is Never Necessary. . .73:1 and 28:6 


Import Duties— See tariff. 





For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



05 



Imprudence — 




Indignation — 




For some of its commonest caus- 




Just Indignation 


3:2 


es see Guess-Work, Careless- 




May be Stern But Kind, 79:01 


ness, Restlessness, Truth Mis- 




Also see Rebuke, Punishment, 




applied (98:6) &c— Also over- 




and Temper. 




work. 




Indiscretion — 




Impulses — 




See impulsiveness, haste and 




Follow the Deeper, Quieter 




Guess Work. 




Ones Fearlessly; But Do Not 




Also see 29:1, 96:1 


, etc 


Follow the Rest 


15:1 






Impulsiveness— ite//?^ guided by 
our impulses without stopping to 
see "whether they are wise or not. 




Industry — Being willing to work ; 

and worki7tg for the most part 

in ways that are praiseworthy. 

K Ts, Working, Trying and 




See impulses, fickleness, Guess- 




Watching. 




work, etc. 








Its opposite is steadiness of char- 
acter. 




Inexperience — 
See mistakes and Opportunities. 






Inexperienced Little Neighbors, 


14:5 


Impurity— See sexual sins. 




Infants — See babies. 




Inaccuracy — 
See Guess Work, haste and 




Infatuation — A very strong and 




Carelessness. 




blind fascination. Generally 
caused by loneliness; and in- 
curable without wise outside 




Its opposite is accuracy. 






Inclination — 




help. 
See fascination; also47:6, 26:1, etc 




See impulses and longings. 






Inconsistency — 




Inference — 




The Wrong Doings of Good Men 


29:4 


See word-proofs and theory. 




Unhappy Christians 


100:2 






Well Meant Folly 


29:9 


Inferiority — Thinking or Knowing 




Also see Guess-Work and Run- 




One's Self to Be Inferior, 67:1, 




away Thoughts 


96:1 


47:2 and 


40:6 


Indecision — Unwillingness to defi- 




Infidelity — Honest Infidelity. 




nitely face a difficulty and de- 




It's Cause and Cure, 40:2, 43:1, 




cide what the next step shall be. 




96:1, 98:1 


, etc 


K. Ts. Postponing, Guess-Work, 




For dishonest infidelity see un- 




Difficulties, Perplexity, fear, 




godliness. 




and too much or else untimely 




The opposite of infidelity is 




thinking. 




Knowing and Loving God; 




Also see 28 :6 anc 


L 9 6:i 


see Godliness. 
Influence — 








Indelicacy — 




The Influence of Books 


8:7 


Causes: sometimes ignorance 
and thoughtlessness; some- 




The Secret of a Growing Influ- 
ence .61:5 and 


47:5 


times deliberate vileness. 










Also see Example and Leader- 




See sexual sins. 




ship. 




Indifference — 












Ingratitude— Section k. 


K Ts, Selfishness, ignorance, 








Guess Work, Carelessness, etc. 




Injustice — See justice. 




Opposites, Love, carefulness, 




Inquisitiveness — 




etc. 




See questions and curiosity. 





For Explanations See Page gi. 



io6 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Insight — Some Helps in Making 

it Clearer and Deeper are the 

following: 

Broken Thought 96:1 

Watchful Silence 101:3 

Obedience to the Real Leadings 

of Conscience 28:2, 5:8 etc. 

Well Digested Reading 8:1 

Working for the Good of Others . 45 :8 
The Good Example of Others, 

45:2, 56:1, etc. 

Love of Truth 98 : 1 

Careful Reviews 87:1 

And Grateful Prayer, 95:1 and 76:2 
Also see Reason, conscience, 

Finding God (40:2) etc. 
For difference between insight 

and thought, see 58:3, 

Insincerity — Making professions of 
friendship or good-will which 
though true are not wholly 
true, and so are very untrust- 
worthy. — But it is very differ- 
ent from mere hypocrisy; (see 
hypocrisy). 

Words not Enough 55:1 

Its opposite is sincerity. 

Instincts — 
Our Deeper, Quieter Instincts. . 

96:2, 28:2, etc. 
But also see impulses; but re- 
member that though instinct 
often shows itself as a mere im- 
pulse, all impulses are not in- 
instinctive. 

Insults — 
See Bearing Wrong and Selfish- 
ness. 

Insurance for Old Age — 

Page 4 of Appendix. 
Intellect — The power to use names, 
signs atid symbols ; or, in other 
words, the reasoning or lan- 
guage f acuity . 
It is Less Trustworthy Than 

Reason 58:3 

Also see reason, Thought and 
word-proofs. 



Intelligence — 

Secret of: more insight and less 
Guess-Work. — For helps see 
insight, Guess-Work, con- 
science, Thought, etc. 
Intemperance — See Temperance. 
Intensity — 
See Quickness, Restlessness, 
and impulses. 
Interest — Loss of 

See Drudgery and need of Rest. 
Interruptions — 

Often Helpful 96:1 and 24:1 

Intuition — 

See insight and conscience. 
Invalids — 

May Have Very Great Influence, 35:2 
For other K Ts, see sickness and 
Suffering. 
Invention — 

K Ts, insight, skill and Success. 
Irksomeness — See Drudgery. 
Irresolution — 
A mixture of fickleness and in- 
decision. 
K Ts, indecision and Perplexity 
(esp. 69:2), fickleness and fear. 

Also 28:3 

Its opposites are aimfulness, 
courage and stability. 
Irritability — Crossness and bad tem- 
per due indirectly to sickness ; 
but curable even while the 
sickness lasts. 
See Temper, Crossness, Rest, 

sickness, etc. 
Its opposites are sweet temper 
and justice. 

Isaiah — 26:3 40:13 

"It Must Be Done" — 102:1 

"It's Good; But Do You Need It,"— 15:5 
Jealousy — ■ 

K. Ts., Loneliness, Selfishness 

and Guess Work. 
Its opposite is a really clear and 

far-sighted love. 
See Bearing Wrong, Patience 
and Love. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



107 



Jesus- 




Knowing Jesus— Section 56 


Knowing and Loving Jesus, Sec. 56. 


Knowledge — (Real knowledge). 


Helping Jesus in Heaven 


C:36 


. Is Deeper Than Thought 58:3 


Talking With Jesus 


C46 


Also see insight and Truth and 


"Jesus Loves me, this I know,". 


C:47 


half truths. 


Jobs- 
How to Get a Job of Work 




For opposites see Guess Work 


48:3 


and ignorance. 


John — Gospel of, 

John — g;25 


C:l4 


Labor — 
Labor and Capital, Pages 4 and 


" 13:34 and 35. .Sec. 56, motto 




5 of Appendix. 


and C:i2 


Also see Work and Hints for 


" 14:2 and 23 


C:io 


Hard Times. 


" 15:12 


C:i2 


Ladder — 


" 21:15 • 


C: 5 


How to Start Up the Ladder 48:2 


John — 1st John 4:16 


C: 4 


Language Studies — 


Johnnie's Bible Verses C:3 


to 16 


See Study, Thought, Truth, 


Johnnie's Writing Desk 


C:2o 


word-proofs, Talking, etc. 


Jokes — 




Late — Being Late. 


Jokes That Hurt 


62:1 


See Postponing. 
Laughter — K Ts, fun and smiles. 


Coarse Jokes, see sexual sins. 




Joy — See Happiness. 




Law — Civil. 


Judging Others— Section 54 


See Section 72 and Appendix. 


Judgment — 




Law — Natural. 


Intuitive Judgment, See con- 




See Consequences, nature etc. 


science and insight. 




Laying Up Treasure for Others. . . 8:3 


Poor Judgment, see Guess Work. 




Laziness — Greatly disliking work, 


Judgment Based on Theory 




especially hard work. It re- 


Alone Cannot Always be 




sults sometimes from confused 


Trusted 28:3 and 


100:2 


but very persistent thoughtful- 


Jumping at Conclusions 43:1 


and 2 


ness; sometimes from long- 


Jury Laws — ■ 




continued discouragement; 


Page 8 of Appendix. 




and sometimes from both com- 
bined. 


Also see Temperance. 








See Thought, Discouragement, 


Justice in Thought and Act — 




Guess Work, Drudgery and 


Just Indignation 


3:2 


Carelessness. 


Just Criticism 54:5 and 6, and 22:1 


Also study carefully 69:2, 67:1, 


Just Rebuke 


79:1 


96:1 and 101:3 


Also see Love, Pity, Sympathy 




Its opposites are enthusiasm and 


and Doing Right. 




industry. 


Keeping Thoughts for Future 




Leadership — Section 57. 


Study 


87:1 


Learning by Example — See Example. 


Kicking Too Much — 




Learning by Failure 102:2 


Does It Pay ? , 


79:2 






Learning from Books — See Books. 


Kindness. Section 55 


Learning from Fools and Enemies, 1:1 


Kisses — 




Learning from God — See Godli- 


A Mothers Kisses 


49:4 


ness and Prayer. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



108 INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 




"Learning How" 


C:58 


Loneliness — Section 60 


Learning to Cook 


C: 5 5 


Longfellow, H. W., — Quoted 49:1 


Also see Study, insight, Habit, 




Longings — 




etc. 




God's Way of Satisfying Them, 




Legislation— See Political Problems. 




When We Let Him 


40:5 


Lessons in Love 

Letter Writing — 


40 ;3 


Longing for Pleasure 


45:6 


Unsatisfied Longings, See Dis- 


Writing Home 

Letting the Children Help 


49:5 


appointment. 




14:2 


Impatient Longings; See Rest- 
lessness. 




Letting Your Light Shine 


C:6 


Sudden, Impulsive, Longings... 


15:1 


Liberty — K Ts, Opportunities and 




Also see Hope, Ideals, etc. 




law. 




Looks — 




Libraries — 




Looks Count 


35:i 
55:i 


See Books r newspapers, Study, 


Kind Looks 


etc. 




Lottery Tickets — See gambling. 




Life— Section 58 


Love— Section 61 


Life Insurance — See insurance. 




Love of Beauty— Section 6. 




Light- 




Love of Progress 


25:1 


How to Find More Light. 


19:1 


Love of Truth— See Truth. 




Shining Lights 


C:6 


Love of Right — Section 28. 




Likes and Dislikes-^- 




Love of Self— Section 85. 




See pleasure and Suffering; in- 




Loving Our Enemies 5:1 and C:i3 


dignation and disagreeable; 




Loveliness — 




Anger and Temper; etc. 




The Influence of a Lovely Life. 


35:2 


Lincoln, Abraham — 




Loveliness First; Money Second, 


64:1 


On Prayer 


76:9 


Loveliness Versus Mere Beauty 




Littleness — 




or Smartness 


17*3 


See Meanness, Selfishness, cov- 




Also see insight, Love, etc. 




etousness, ignorance, etc. 




Lovesickness — 




For its opposites see fairness, 




See Courtship, Friendship, and 




justice, generosity, Love, 




Loneliness, 




Hope, etc. 




Its opposite is a more perfect 




Little Things— Section 59 


love; which finds peace and 




Lock Outs — Page 5 of Appendix. 


strength in loving, in spite of 
separation and difficulties. 




Logic — 




Low Spirits — See blues. 




K. Ts., theory, explanation, [Em- 






phasis], probability, and otten 




Lubbock, Sir John— Quoted 


15:4 


mere Guess Work. Serves to 




Luck — 




emphasize some one part of a 




Good Luck — See comfort, Suf- 




truth and also to arouse atten- 




fering (89:4) and Opportunities. 




tion and suggest new truth; 




Bad Luck— See Suffering (89:4) 




but is often sadly misapplied 




Carelessness, Guess Work, etc. 




and blunderfull. For correct 




Lucy's Birthday 


C:6i 


reasoning is one of the most 
difficult of all arts. For dan- 




Lucy's Garden ....... 


C:6o 


gers see reason, theory and in- 




Lust — See sexual sins. 




tellect. 




Luxuries — See Section 64. 





For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



109 



Lying- 
Causes: weakness or else self- 
ishness. 
K. Ts., Dishonesty, Selfishness, 
weakness, Exaggeration, Fear 
of Consequences, Guess 
Work, etc. 
Helps in overcoming it; Love, . 
Prayer, carefulness, etc. 
Lynch Law — Page 8 of Appendix. 
Mad — See Temper, Anger, disap- 
proval, etc. 
Making Mistakes — See mistaks. 
Malachi 3:16 and 13. See 12:3. 
Manners — See politeness. 
Mark — Gospel of 

Chapter 10:13 to 16 C7 

Marriage— Section 17 

Masturbation — 
See sexual sins, Restlessness, 
Loneliness, etc. 
Matthew — 

5:6 Title Page and 89:5 

5:8 28:14 

5:16 C:6 

5:44 and 45 5:1 

6-15 38: motto and 38:1 

6:34 9:3 

Meanness — Section 62 

Meekness— Patience under wrong. 
How to Get It,— See Patience 
and Bearing Wrong. 

May Be Carried Too Far 86:4 

Melancholy — 

See Perplexity, Darkness and 

blues. 
Also study the sections on 
Watchfulness, Cheerfulness 
and Thought. 
Memory — 

One Way of Improving It 8:1 

How to Silence Unhappy Mem- 
ories 80:1 and 96:1 

Causes of Forgetfulness 37 :2 

Also see association of ideas, and 
all of Section 37. 
Mercy — 
K. Ts, Pity and Kindness. 



Merit Is Always Recognized — 
Gladly, Though often Silently . . 35 :2 
Or Reluctantly, But Really 53:1 

Merriment — See fun and pleasure. 

Methods — 
See Study, Thought, Plans, etc. 

Methodicalness — A love of system 
in which mere theories and rules 
{word-rules) often take the 
place of silent intuitions of fit- 
ness ; thus seriously cramping 
our lives. 
It always shows that we are giving too much 
time and thought to trying to fully explain life, 
and too little to simply finding truths, which we 
can See Clearly, and then showing in our lives 
the inspiration, strength and trueness that come 
from seeing truth clearly, even when we cannot 
yet explain it See Watchfulness, Thought, etc. 

Minutes — 

Idle Minutes 48:5 

A Minute a Day 59:2 

Minutiae — (1) Little things not 
worth spending ti?ne on; or (2) 
little things not worth spend- 
ing Much time on. But N. B., 
this does not include all little 
things; for some seemingly lit- 
tle things are worth days and 
weeks and years of labor. 
See Little Things. 

Mischief — 

A Mischief-Loving Boy C49 

Mischief and Idleness 14:1 

For selfish mischief see Mean- 
ness. 

Misconceptions — 

See Thought, Guess Work, and 
error. 

Misfortunes— Section 63 

Mistakes — 

Misusing Our Ideals 52:1 

Jumping at Conclusions 43-1&2 

When to Distrust a Thought 96:2 

Nellie's Mistakes 0:38 

Also see Ignorance, Guess Work, 
Carelessness, haste, Doing 
Wrong, etc. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Misunderstandings- 
Study Temper, Crossness, Dif- 
ferences of Opinion, Patience, 
Drudgery, Judging Others, Do- 
ing Right, &c. 
Mob Law — See lynch law. 
Moderation — 

Lack of — See "too much." 
Moments — See Minutes. 
Money— Section 64. 

Monroe Doctrine, 72:3. 
Moods- 
See impulses, blues, dislikes, 
whimsicalness, etc. 
Morality and Godliness — 

How Related; 28:4. 

Moral Science — See ethics. 
Morbid Impulses — 
See Restlessness and last part 
of 15:1. 

Moroseness — 
See Crossness, Loneliness, Self- 
ishness, Discouragement, dis- 
comfort, etc. 
Morphine — Use of. See opium. 
Mortgage Laws — 

Page 5 of Appendix. 
Mothers — 
A Mother's Smiles and Kisses, 

49:4- 

A Mother's Patience— 68:1. 

A Mother's Opportunity — See 
Home and Children; Example 
and Loveliness, etc. 
Motives — 

Till you know a man's motives 
and how much weight each 
motive has, you cannot judge 
his conduct justly. 
Our Motives in Business Life. . . 10:1 
Also see Thoughts and Plans. 
Mourners— Section 65 

Music" Lessons — Working for C:56 

"Must-Be Plans"— 

Need Careful Testing 102:1 

Having Too Many of Them a 
Frequent Cause of Crossness.. 18:1 
"My Father's House" C:io 



Mystery- 
How Far Shall We Go in Try- 
ing to Remove It? 87:4 

Names — 
Nameless; But Not Aimless.. . 15:1 
Changing the Name, but Not the 

Thing 29:8 and 27:2 

Narcotics— Misuse of' 

See opium and smoking. 
Narrowness — 
Needs Patience, Pity, wisdom 
(47:6), time and a good deal of 
silence (1:4). 
, K Ts, ignorance, Guess Work, 

conceit and bigotry. 
Its opposites are insight and 
trueness. 
National Protection Party Plat- 
form — See Appendix. 
Naturalness — 

K Ts, insight and Doing Right. 
Nature — 

K Ts, Rest and Truth; Beauty 

and pleasure. 
Also see circumstances and Chil- 
dren's Corneri7, 80, 60, etc 
Naughtiness— Being Naughty. 
See C:i and 2; also sections 
14 and 29. 

Nearness to Christ 56:1 and 2 

Nearness to God — See Godliness 

and Prayer. 
Nearness to Friends in General — 
See Love, Friendship, Sympathy, 
etc. Also telepathy. 
Neatness — 

See Beauty and carefulness; 
Rest and Little Things, esp. 59:3. 
Necessity — 

Is Often Only Apparent 102:1 

Negations — 
Using Them Too Freely. 
See Restlessness, Judging Oth- 
ers and Using Truth Unwisely, 98 : 1 
Negligence — See Carelessness. 
Neighbors — 
See Helping, Criticism (54), 
Friendship, etc. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



How a Neighbor Helped Roger, C:2g 
Nervousness — 
A sign that you are overworking, 

in thought or in active life. 
See Rest, overwork, Guess 
Work, etc. 

News — 
See Newspapers, Truth and 
Gossip. Also "good news." 
Newspapers — Section 8 
• Also see Gossip, Truth and error. 
No- 
Saying Simply Yes or No 28:3 

Noble — Habitually true and wise 
both in little things atid in great. 
K. Ts, Godliness, Watchfulness, 
insight, Love, and Doing Right. 
Noise — 

Is Good for Boys C 143 

Nonsense — Apparent. 
See fun, Rest, and some Day- 
Dreams. 
Nonsense — Real. 

See ignorance, Guess Work, 
Restlessness, error and some 
Day Dreams. 
Novels — 

How to Read a Novel 8:4 

Also see Day Dreams, Example, 
and other parts of Section 8. 
Now — 

Shall I Do It Now? 29:1 

Obedience — 

Obeying Your Mother C :\o 

Obeying Mamma Quickly 0:39 

Obeying God, See Godliness. 

Making Children Obey 14:6 and 7 

Obliging Others — 

See favors and politeness. 
Observation — 

See Watchfulness and insight. 
Obstacles— See Difficulties. 
Obstinacy — Persistent disregard of 
the wishes and co?nmands of 
others— due to a very short- 
sighted self-respect and self- 
will. 
Also see Temper and conceit. 
Its opposite is teachableness. 



Oddity- 
Springs ordinarily from excess- 
ive though tfulness; but may 
be greatly increased by con- 
ceit or a morbid self-distrust. 
See Thoughts, conceit, self-dis- 
trust, Humility, etc. 
Desirable opposites: naturalness 
and healthy originality. 

Old Age — Section 66 

One-Sidedness — 

See prejudices, Guess Work, 
Exaggeration and Judging 
Unjustly. 
It's opposite is a well-balanced, 

unprejudiced mind. 
See insight, Watchfulness, true- 
ness, carefulness, etc. 
Opinions — 
Why Honest Men Can Differ. . 22:1 
Our Opinions Often Need Cor- 
recting 100:2 and 87:1 

Opinions, How Far Helpful?. . . 

28:3 and 71 motto 

Old Folks' Opinions 66:1 

K. Ts. Advice, Books, Gossip, 
Guess Work, Truth, Talking 
and Study. 

Opium — 

Use of for Pleasure 96: 1 

Also see Restlessness, The Eas- 
iest Way, Besetting Sins, Bur- 
dens, etc. 
Opportunities— Section 67 

Optimism — Habitually hoping for 
the best and knowing or believing 

that good is overcoming evil. 
In its higher forms it springs 
from Godliness, 58:1 and 40:2; 
goodness, 45:8 and insight, 
58:3. — But our attempts to 
Prove optimism (by word- 
proofs) are often sadly marred 
by Guess Work, Also see 
pessimism. 
Orderliness — See disorder. 
Originality — 

For Helps in Rousing it, see 
Study, Watchfulness and Op- 
portunities. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



112 INDEX TO THE 


. BETTER WAY. 


Morbid Ways of Showing It, 98:6, 52:1 


Peace of Mind; How to Get It, 


etc. 




45:1, 48:2, etc. 


Ostentation — See 75-1. 




Peculiar — Being Peculiar. 


Overwork — 




See oddity. 


And Why It Doesn't Pay, 102:1 




Peevishness — Crossness, due in 


and 97-1. 




part to sickness (same as irrit- 


Pain — See Suffering. 




ability, which see) but also hav- 


Papers — See newspapers. 
Parents — 




ing in it a marked element of 
littleness and persistent selfish- 


See Children, Home, Marriage, 
(17) etc. 




See Temper, Crossness, conceit 




and Selfishness. 


Particular — Being Very Particu- 




Penetration — See insight. 


lar. See accuracy and insight; 






fussiness and Guess- Work. 




Penitence — See repentance. 


Parties — Political — See Apppen- 




Pepper — 


dix. 




Too Much Pepper C:25 


Parties — Social — 




Peoples' Party and Other Parties 


K T's, Talking, Friendship, etc. 




Criticised. 


Partisanship — See 98:1 and 22:1. 




Page 2 of Appendix. 
Perfection — 


Partnership — 
How to Become a Full Partner 




Not Perfect, But Good and Love- 
ly, 45:2 


in Business 


. 10:2 
. 17:2 




"Life Partners" (Married) 


Perplexity — Section 69 


Partners With God 9:1 


and 2 


Persecution — 


Also see profit sharing, corpor- 




See Bearing Wrong, Patience, 


ations and failures. 




Forgiveness, etc. 


Passion — An almost uncontrol- 




Perseverance — 


lable feeling of longing, loving 




See- Patience, Difficulties, cour- 


or hating. 




age, Discouragement, persist- 


See longing, Loving, Courting, 




ency, Trying (102. 1) etc. 


Temper, Excitement, Impulse 




Persistency— A somewhat blind 


etc. 




perseverance, sometimes due to 


Patience — Section 68 


selfishness; but far oftener to 


Patriotism — Love of one's Country. 




well meaning ignorance. 
See perseverance, Guess Work 


I Can't Do Much 


• 47:2 


and Selfishness, also 29:1 


Also see Political Problems. 




and 102:5. 


Patronizing Ways — Kindness mar- 




Persuading — 


red by a lack of proper respect 




K-*T's, Arguments, discussion, 


for the one trying to help. 




Talk, word-proofs, Example, 


See Kindness, Love, (61:1) and 




(47:8) etc. 


justice. 




Danger of Talking Too Long 91:2 


Pay — PoOr Pay 


.48:2 


Pessimism — Believing that good 


Also see "labor and capital," es- 




cannot overcome evil, or at 


pecially pages 3, 4 and 5 of Ap- 




least, is not doing it now. — 


pendix. 




Causes: too much haste, too 


Peace — 




much guess work and loss of 


The Peace of God 


40:13 


trust and insight. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



"3 



See 40:2 ; also Guess Work, haste, 

Darkness, etc. 
For opposites see insight, optim- 
ism and much love of God, 
40:2. 
Petitions and Protests- 
Page 8 of Appendix. 
Pettiness — U7iprofitable expend- 
iture of time and thought on 
little things. 
How to Guard Against It, 59:3. 
Also see fussiness. 
Its opposites are true greatness, 
common sense, wisdom, etc. 
Petulance— See Crossness and 

Temper. 
Piety — See Godliness. 
Pity — Section 70 

Plans and Their Uses— Section 71 
Platitudes — Telling people truths 
which they ah-eady know, and 
telling them so poorly as to 
bring no new quickening or in- 
spiration into their lives. 
Causes: ignorance, Guess Work, 
Carelessness and conceit; 
which see. 
Play- 
Really One Form of Work, C:4i 
Playing With Bad Boys and 

Girls C 42 

Also see amusements. 
Playthings — 

Simple and Plenty 14:1 

Pleasing Others — 

See politeness and favors. 
Pleasure — 
The Pleasant Side of Duty, 

14:6 and 28:12 

Pleasures That Satisfy Section 45 

Pleasures That Do Not Satisfy, 

Section 29 
Pleasure Seeking, Proper and 

Improper 45 :6 

Pleasures That Only Make us 

More Tired 82:2 

The Pleasure of Knowing God. . 40:7 
K Ts, Life, Success, Happiness, 
Cheerfulness, Thankfulness, 
Day Dreams, Home, etc. 



Pluck — See perseverance. 
Policy — 

K Ts, Self-Love, and often Self- 
ishness. 

Politeness — Showing our respect 
for others in little things ; and 
you can never really have it 
till you first learn to really re- 
spect men. For many who 
pretend to be very polite, are 
not really polite at all. 
For True Politeness see 55:1. 
For Mistaken Politeness see 55:2. 

Political Problems — 

Section 72 and Appendix 

Poor Health — See sickness. 

Poor Pay— See wages. 

Poor People — See Poverty. 

Populist and Other Parties Criti- 
cised — Page 2 of Appendix 

Postponing — Section 73 

Pouts — See Crossness. 

Poverty — Section 74 

Power — 
K Ts, influence, Leadership, 
Truth, ambition, greatness, 
etc. 

Practical — Being Practical. 

A most important virtue. But 
the word is often misused; for 
much that is called unpracti- 
cal is really practical; while 
much that is spoken of as 
very practical is only short- 
sighted littleness. See 52:1. 

Practice — 
See Work, experience and Suc- 
cess. 

Praise— Section 75 
Prayer— Section 76 
Prejudices — 
Going Against Them Needless- 
ly 15:2 

For K Ts, see Guess Work, 
"Truth Misused," (98:6), Tem- 
per, Judging Others, etc. 
Prettiness — 
See Beauty and especially 17:3. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



H4 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Pride— Section 77 


Proverbs—Book of — 




Privileges — 




Chapter 11:12 


54:5 




See blessings and Opportunities. 




Chapter 15:1 


92:3 


Probability — 




Chapter 17-17 . ... 


39:i 


Mere Probability is often Help- 




Providence — 




ful; But It Is Not Enough in 




See God, optimism and Prayer. 




Questions of Present Duty. . . 


28:3 


Prudence — 




Procrastination — Postponing un- 




K T's, carefulness, economy, 




wisely. 




thrift, Rest, etc. 




See Postponing. 




Psalms — Book of — 




Profanity — 




Psalm 7:11 


..3:1 


K Ts, Temper, Unhappiness, 




Psalm 37:3 


.C:ii 


and often conceit. 




Pugnacity — 




Also see Besetting Sins. 




See Temper, Selfishness and 




Profit Sharing-- Page 3 of Appendix 


conceit. 




Progress — Love of 


25:1 


Punctuality — 




Prohibition and Other Parties Crit- 




Is one form of economy and jus- 




icised Page 2 of Appendix 

Promises — 


tice, if not overdone. 
See economy and justice. 




See favors, Debts, Exaggeration, 




Punishment Section 79 


etc. 




Pure in Heart 


28:14 


Promotion — 




Purity — 




How to Get It 10:2 and 48:2 


See "pure in heart"; sexual sins, 




Also see Success. 




Thought and Little Things. 




Promptness- 




Purposes— See Plans and motives. 




Promptness in Paying Debts. . . 


21:2 


Putting On Airs— 




Also see punctuality. 




K T's, Affectation and conceit. 




Proofs — 




Putting Things Off- 




See word proofs, axioms, theory, 




See Postponing. 




Guess Work, etc. 




Quarrels — 




Property — See Money and Poverty. 




See Misunderstandings and 




Propriety- 




Temper.' 




See Doing Right, and, in a lesser 




Queerness — See oddity. 




sense, politeness. 




Querulousness — A faultfinding and 




Prosperity— 




complaining disposition, due in 




K T's Success and wealth; Praise 




part to sickness. 




and pleasure, Happiness and 




Often well meant, but very short- 




Suffering, etc. 




sighted. 




Prostitution — See sexual sins. 




See Criticising, Crossness and 




Protection Party Platform. 




Guess-Work. 




See Appendix. 




Questions — 




Protective Tariff — 




Children's Questions 


.14:8 


Its Benefits and Abuses, Page 2 




Questions of Duty, Sec. 28; esp. 




of Appendix. 




28:3 and 2. 




International Protection, Page 3 




Also see Talking, Perplexity. 




of Appendix. 




Thought, etc. 




Protests and Petitions — 




Quibbling — Dishonest evasion. 




Page 8 of Appendix. 




See evasion. 





For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



"5 



Quickness— Section 78 


Reciprocity or International Pro- 


Quick Temper— See Temper. 




tection Page 3 of Appendix 


Quiet (verses excitement) — 




Recklessness— Section 80 


A Quiet Brain 


82:1 


Recreation — 


Conscience is Always Quiet 


28:2 


See Rest and amusements. 


Quiet and Unquiet Impulses 


15:1 


Refinement — 


Our Quieter Instincts of Duty are 




True refinement is a gift found 


More Trustworthy Than Mere 




alike among rich and poor. — 


Theory 


96:2 


Its elements are unselfishness 


Also see Rest, peace, conscience, 




and love of beauty, strength- 


etc. 




ened and perfected by patient, 


Quiet (versus Noise) — 




careful living. — Mere polish 


Rage- 




is often mistaken for refine- 


See Temper, Recklessness and 




ment. 


Selfishness. 




For K Ts, see Beauty, Love, 


Railroads — See corporations, 




Life, etc. 


Rashness — 




Reflection — 


See Carelessness, Recklessness, 




See Thought, analysis, memory, 


haste and Guess Work. 




etc. 
Reforms — 


Rationalism — -Trusting too much 




Reforms in Politics and Law — 


to mere logic in questions of 




See Political Problems. 


philosophy and theology. 




Reforms in Private Life — See 


See word proofs, theory and logic. 




topics too numerous to men- 


Also Guess Work and insight. 




tion. 


Its opposite is real knowledge. 




Dangers: haste, Guess Work and 


See knowledge and reason. 




one-sidedness. 


Reading — See "Books and Papers." 




Regularity — 


Reading Aloud to Mother 


C:32 


For uses and Misuses of regu- 
larity see Plans, disorder, 


Reality- 




economy, overwork, Cross- 


See Truth and appearances. 




ness, methodicalness, etc. 


Reason — The power to see truth. 




Rejoicing — 


Reason versus Intellect. .58:3 and 15:1 


See Happiness and pleasure. 


Our Moral Intuitions 28 :2, 3 


and 5 


Reliability — 


Also see conscience, insight, 




See faithfulness and skill. 


Truth, etc. 




Religion — 


But be careful not to mistake 




How to Judge it Fairly 40:10 


mere word logic for reason; 




And other thoughts under Godli- 


for "reasoning," so called, is 




ness, Prayer, Knowing Jesus, 


often very unreasonable and 




etc. 


contradicts the very reason 




Reluctance — 
See unwillingness, Dread, etc. 


which it tries to find and ap- 
ply. — See logic, intellect, 








Remorse — Shame and sorrow for 


rationalism, etc. 




the wrong we have done, with- 
out any willingness to try to 


Reasoning — 




do better. 


See word proofs, Arguments, 




The better way is repentance. 


logic, reason, rationalism, etc. 




— See repentance, Darkness, 


Rebuke and Punishment- 




Perplexity, Selfishness, Pride, 


Section 79 


despair, and Opportunities. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



u6 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Repentance — A regret for past 




Revery — 




wrong doing, followed by a 




See Day Dreams and Thought. 




sincere striving to do right. 




Revising Our Written Thoughts.. 


87:1 


Repentance and Peace 29: 5 


and 6 


Revising Unwritten Thoughts 


96:1 


Repentance Corner for Old Folks, 


14:11 


Rewards — 




Repentance Corner for Children, 




See Consequences, Happiness, 




14:4 and C:2 


Praise, etc. 




Reproof— See Rebuke. 




Rhetoric — 




Republican Party and Other Par- 
ties Criticised, Page 2 of Appendix 


See Thought, Study, Truth, Ar- 
guments, Talk, Advice, Sym- 




Reputation, Section 81 


pathy, etc. 




Research — 




Riches— See Money. 




K Ts, Study, Thought, Truth, 




Ridicule— 




insight, etc. 




. See Bearing Wrong, Loneliness, 




Resentment —^ Unwillingness to 




and courage. 




forgive a wrong, real or im- 




Right— See Doing Right. 




aginary. 
See Temper and Forgiveness. 




Risks- 




Reserve — 




Running Risks Needlessly ...... 


15:4 


Too Much Reserve a Sign of 




Roger's Neighbor 


C:2g 


Weakness 


91:1 


Romans 8:28 

" 12:20 


58:1 




C:i 3 


Resignation — 




See trust, Suffering, Hope.'peace, 




Roughness — 




etc. 




K T's, noise, thoughtlessness, 




Resolutions — Good Resolutions. 




etc. 




See Trying. 




Routine — 




Respect — 
How to Get It 48 :2 anc 




See Difficulties, Drudgery, tri- 




1 81:1 


fles, and Thought. 
Also see Nameless Work, 15:1. 




Respect for Others; see Kind- 




ness, Love, justice, Sympathy; 




Roving — A Roving Disposition. 




and beware of patronizing. 




See Restlessness. 




Rest— Section 82 


Runaway Thoughts 


96:1 


Restlessness — Section 83 


Sabbath. Section 84 


Restlessness on Sunday 84:1 


ind 2 


Sadness — 




Results — See Consequences and 




See Loneliness, Cheer, Suffering, 




Success. 




etc. 




Revelation — 




Safety of God's Friends 


58:1 


See God, Prayer, Knowing Jesus, 




Also see Suffering. 




etc. 




Sarah's Thoughts 


C:2i 


Revenge — 




Satisfied — 




A Wise Man's Revenge 


S=i 


Satisfying Pleasures Section 45 


Foolish Revenge — See Guess 




Pleasures That Do Not Sat- 




Work, Temper and hatred; 




isfy Section 29 


especially 


92:4 


Why Are We So Often Un- 




Revenue Taxes — National 




satisfied 100-2 and 28-5 


Page 3 of Appendix 


God's Way of Satisfying . 


40:5 


Reverence — 




Also see peace, quietness and 




See Old Age and Love. 




Disappointment. 





For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



117 



Scandal — 

See Gossip, and also 29:1 and 
08:1. 
Schools — 
See Children, Study, Helping, 
Rebuking, teaching, Example, 
Excuses, Forgetting, Forgiv- 
ing, Planning, Praying, Rest- 
ing and Many Others. 
Science — 

See Truth, Study, Thought, etc. 
Scolding — Rebuking others when 
you yourself feel cross. 
See Crossness and Rebuke. 

Seed Thoughts 87:2 

Seeming — See appearances. 

Seemingly — Unbearable Burdens. .28:12 

Selection— See choosing. 

Self-Abuse — See sexual sins. 

Self-Assertion— 

A mixture of conceit, selfishness 

and forwardness. 
Remedy ; kind but severe rebuke. 
See Rebuke, conceit, Selfishness, 
forwardness, etc. 
Self-Complacency — 

One of the lighter forms of con- 
ceit. 
See conceit. 
Self-Conceit — See conceit. 
Self-Condemnation — 

See repentance and remorse. 
Self-Confidence — 
May be either healthy or un- 
healthy. 
K Ts, see Truth and Guess 
Work; conceit and courage; 
Hopefulness and Godliness, 
(Phil. 4:13) self-respect and 
Pride. 
Self-Consciousness. — Inability to 
forget ones-self. — Often very 
crippling. 
It generally shows most in pub- 
lic; but can be cured only in 
private, when you are alone 
with yourself and your thoughts. 
See Thought, Truth, Guess Work, 
etc. 



For its opposite see self-forget- 
fulness. 
Self-Control — Benefits of 3:5 

Some helps in keeping it are the 
following: 

A Desire to Be Just 3:4 and 54:6 

Doing for Others 5:1 

Less Guess Work 43:1 and 2 

More Love of Right Section 28 

More Trust in God Section 40 

Books of Remembrance 12:3 

Punishment Given in Love 

5:1 and 79:1 
Self-Culture— 

See self-improvement. 
Self-Deception — 

See Excuses, Exaggeration and 
Guess Work, etc. 

Remedies; seeing the truth more 
clearly and using it more care- 
fully and honestly. 
Self-Denial — Denying ones-self a 
longed for pleasure and volun- 
tarily facing pain for the sake 
of some future pleasure with 
which the first pleasure con- 
flicts. 

It may be whole hearted or half- 
hearted, wise or foolish; and 
may spring from self-love 
(proper or improper) or from 
self-forgetting love for others. 

For K T's see Suffering, self- 
sacrifice, Love, Self-Love, 
Hope, courage, etc. 
Self-Depreciation — 

Study carefully the list of topics 
given under blues. 

Its healthy opposite is a quiet 
self-respect and Hopefulness. 
Self-Distrust — A tendency not to 
trust ones own powers suffici- 
ently. 

See Guess Work, fear, blues and 
Humility. 

Its opposites are conceit and 
Courage. 
Self-Examination — 

Helpful Self-Examination 12:4 

Morbid Self-Examination 52:1 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



n8 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Self-Forgetfulness — Forgetting ones 
self in ones love of others. With- 
out much of it large usefulness 
is impossible. But carried too 
far it becomes self-neglect and 
unfits us for the very usefulness 
we long for. 

See Forgetting, Helping, Loving, 
Self-Sacrifice, Unselfishness, etc. 

Self-Help— 

In Hard Times Section 48 

In Life at Large — Scores of passages. 

Also see self-improvement. 
Self-importance — 

A mild form of conceit. 

See conceit and Pride. 
Self-Improvement — 

See Books, Character, Evenings, 
Home, Patience. Prayer, (or 
asking help), Study, Truth and 
many others. Also self-help. 
Self-indulgence — Seeking pleasure 
in foolish ways, (45:6) 

See Self-Love, of which it is a 
foolish, short-sighted perver- 
sion. 
Self-Injury — 

See Selfishness, Recklessness, 
Wrong-Doing (29) and Guess- 
Work. 

Also see Despising Little Op- 
portunities (67:1) and self-neg- 
lect. 

Selfishness. Section 86 

Self-Love. Section 85 

Self-Neglect— 

See Discouragement, overwork 
and self-injury. Also see Short- 
sighted Unselfishness, 86-4. 
Its opposite is a Wise Self-Love. 
Self-Possession — 
K Ts, Wise Leadership, self- 
control, Difficulties, Perplex- 
ity and avoidance of Guess 
Work. 
Self-Reliance— 
K T's, self-possession and cour- 
age. 



Self-Reproach — 
See repentance, remorse, Dis- 
couragement, inconsistency, 
etc. 
Self-Respect — 
Is a Good Thing; But May Be 

Misplaced 77:1 

Self-Sacrifice — Suffering willingly 
for the good of others -; because 
we love them. 
But it does not mean self-injury; for it always 
has its reward; (28:12 and 32:1) and the reward is 
a very sweet one. But it is the love that brings 
the reward and not the mere fact that we have 
suffered; so that though a selfish man may coun- 
terfeit self-sacrifice; he cannot win its blessing. 

Also see self-denial. 
Self-Satisfaction — See Pride. 
Self-Will — Wishing to always 
have your own way, and real- ■ 
ly supposing that you are right. 
Causes; mistaken Self-Love, haste 

and Guess Work. 
Also see conceit, wilfulness and 
obstinacy. 

Selling Kindling C:57 

Sensitiveness — Excessive. 
Causes: either Loneliness, Guess 
Work, conceit or too much 
Thought; or all of these com- 
bined. See each. 
Sensuality — See sexual sins. 
Sentimental.— Full of the love and 
love making which naturally 
lead to marriage and are deep- 
ened and perpetuated by an 
unselfish married life. 
Sentimentalism — Dwelling much 
on sentimental subjects. (See 
sentimental.) 
It may be carried too far, or 
shown in unhealthy, unnatural 
ways; but it is often con- 
demned very unjustly. 
For K Ts, see "Courtship and 
Marriage," Loneliness, Love, 
etc. 
Servants — 
See "housekeeping and house- 
work." 



For Exfilanatiofis See Page gr. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY 



Service — 


Short-Sightedness — Mental. 




See Home, Helping, servants, 


Chief causes: persistent guess 




etc. 


work and jumping at conclu- 




Serving God — See Godliness. 


sions in those matters where 




Severity — See punishment. 


the short-sightedness shows 




Sexual Sins — In Thought and Ac- 


itself. 




tion. 


See logic, Guess Work, reason- 




Carefully study the sections on 


ing, reason, etc. 




Restlessness, Loneliness, Hap- 


Its opposite is real insight, and 




piness, Unhappiness, Prayer, 
and Besetting Sins. Also 


avoidance of guess work, 




See Guess Work, Thought, Truth, 
insight, etc. 




Doing Wrong to Please a 




Friend (39:2) and Guess Work. 


Short Steps When Perplexed 


69:1 


Shallowness — 
A mixture of conceit and ignor- 


Shutting the Door 


C: 5 i 


Shyness — 


ance. 


See self-consciousness and bash- 




See Guess Work, conceit and ig- 


fulness. 




norance. 


Sickness — 




Shame — 


See Suffering, Rest, health, etc. 




See Doing Wrong, Unhappiness, 


Also topics like Patience, Hap- 




self-condemnation, repent- 


piness, Prayer, etc. 




ance, remorse, conscience, etc. 


Silence — 




Also see Humility, Happiness, 
etc. 


Watchful Silence. . 101 :3 and g6:motto 
Silence When Angry 92 :2 


Sharpness — Quickness and skill in 
trade. 
For secrets of sharpness see 


Silencing an Angry Man 

Silent Sympathy 


92:3 

90:1 


Silent Prayer 

Silence Sometimes a Sign of 


76:4 


Quickness, Work, skill, Suc- 


Weakness 


91:1 


cess, Business, etc. 


Sometimes a Source of Strength, 


For dangers see 10:1 and 78:1 


28:3 and 11 


and 2; also Selfishness, Dis- 


Silliness — Talking in a well-mean- 




honesty, etc. 


ing, but foolish way about sen- 




Sheepishness — 


timental subjects. 




A mixture of excessive self-con- 


Should Not Be Dealt With Too 




sciousness, Humility and 


Severely 


14:5 


shame. 


Also see sentimentalism, Talk- 




See each of these topics. 


ing, Loneliness, etc. 




Shiftlessness — Extreme careless- 


Silver and Gold Page 6 of Appendix 


ness and aimlessness combined. 


Simplicity — 




Generally accompanied by lazi- 


The Simplest Helps Often the 




ness but not always. 


Ones Most Needed 


1:6 


See Carelessness, ignorance, 


Lack of Simplicity Often a 
Source of Weakness. .13:2, 52:1 


, etc. 


Discouragement, dullness, 


Untrue Simplicity 32:1 anc 


43 :I 


aimlessness, loss of vitality, 
etc. 






Simply Yes or No 


28:3 


Shining Lights C :6 


Sin — 




Shirking — 


See Doing Wrong and Besetting 




Sins; also see repentance and 




See laziness and Selfishness. 


remorse. 





For Explanations See Page gi. 



120 INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 




Sincerity — 




For cure see Discouragement, 




K T's, Truth, Love, True Kind- 




Loneliness, laziness, Perplex- 




ness (55:1), and a Pure Heart. 


28:11 


ity, etc. 




Also see insincerity. 




Slowness — Causes of 


.78:2 


Singing to Baby 


C:47 


Smallness — 




Sisters — 




Mental Smallness. — See weak- 




See Home, Helping, Love, etc. 




ness, ignorance, etc. 




Skepticism — 

See infidelity, doubt, Perplex- 




Moral Smallness. — See narrow- 
ness, Meanness and Selfishness 




ity and negations. 




Smartness — 








No Sign of Loveliness 


17:3 


Skill — 
How to Acquire It 67:1. 10 ;2 


, etc. 


For other thoughts see ability. 


We Must Avoid Guess Work, 43:2 


and 1 


Smiling — 




We Must Profit by Our Failures, 


102:2 


Only a Smile 


47:1 




Also see Watchfulness, careful- 
ness, Carelessness and Success. 




Don't Forget to Smile 


47:8 
100:3 




Smiling But Unhappy 


Slackness — Carelessness in manag- 
ing ones business. Applied to 




A Wise Mother's Smiles and 
Kisses 


4954 


teachers , housekeepers, busi- 




Smoking — Is It Right 


29:1 


ness men, etc. It may spring eith 




Also see Recklessness and Be- 




er from very shortsighted sel- 




setting Sins. 




fishness or from discouraged 




Smutty Talk — See sexual sins. 




recklessness; and should be 
treated accordingly. 




Snappishness — K Ts, Crossness. 




See Discouragement, Reckless- 




Sociability — 




ness, Carlessness, etc. 




See Talking, Friendship, Love- 




Slander — 

See Selfishness, Gossip, Bearing 




liness, Example,JHome, Help- 






ing, Gossip, Sympathy, etc. 




Wrong, etc. 
Slavery to Bad Habits and Companic 
See Besetting Sins; also Dark- 




Social Problems — 




>ns — 


See Political Problems, Business, 
Poverty, Hard Times, Money, 
etc. 




ness and Habit, and esp, 40:6. 






Sleep — 

Early to Bed and Early to Rise 


C:44 


Society- 
See sociability and social problems. 


Sleepiness and Crossness 


T 4:3 


Solitude — 




Sleeping Under God's Care 


40:12 


See Loneliness, Rest, Prayer, 




Also see Rest. 




Study, etc. 




Sleeplessness — 




"Something Nice" . . . .♦ 


C:i9 


Results from excitement; and is 




Sophistry See 98:6 and 


96:2 


helpful when it tends to lessen 
the excitement; but harmful 
when it only increases or deep- 




Sorrow — 
See Suffering and Mourners. 




ens it. 




Sourness — 




Slights- 




K Ts, Crossness and Temper. 




See Bearing Wrong and Selfish- 




Sowing Seeds of Kindness 


55:4 


ness. 




Speaking Kindly 54:4 and 


55 = 1 


Slovenliness — A very great disre- 
gard of cleanliness and order. 




Speculation — In Money, Land, etc. 




It results from loss of hope and 




How to Tell Whether You are 




self-respect. 




Carrying it too Far 


10:1 



For Explanations See Page gz. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 121 


Speculation — Philosophical. 


Stealing — Taking another's prop- 


See Thought, Truth, error, rea- 


erty without giving them a 


soning, etc, and esp. 98:6. 


just equivalent for it. 


Spending Money Unwisely, 15:5 and 48:5 


A degrading and unsatisfying 


Spendthrifts — 


vice. For K Ts, see Selfishness 


Are slaves of misdirected gen- 


and Dishonesty. 


erosity, or an uncontrolled rest- 


Sternness — 


lessness. 


Undue Sternness with Children.. 14:5 


See Restlessness and 55:2. 


God's Sternness 40:3 


Spiritualism — 


Also see punishment. 


A dangerous medley of guess- 


Stimulants — Improper Use of. 


work.fraud and distorted truth ; 


See Temperance. 


for even the mysterious, unex- 


Stinginess — Being both selfish and 


plained truths on which it part- 


small minded in money matters. 


ly rests are so wrongly explain- 


See Selfishness, short-sighted- 


ed and so sadly misapplied 


ness, ignorance, Money, etc. 


and exaggerated as to do a 


Its opposite is generosity. 


vast amount of harm. 


Stories for Baby G47 


Spirituality— Clearly recognizing 


Straining Ones Self — 


the spiritual side of life, both 


See haste, overwork, Difficul- 


human and divine, and wil- 


ties, etc. 


lingly conforming ones life to it. 


Strength of Character — 


K Ts, Godliness, insight and Do- 


Its leading elements are energy, 


ing Right. 


courage and quickness of per- 


Spite— Petty Hatred. 


ception; but these great powers 


K Ts, Meanness, Selfishness, 


are often sadly marred by care- 


hatred, etc. 


lessness in using them. 


Spunky — Enterprising, but rather 


See energy, courage, Quickness, 


hasty ; and so apt to be mistaken. 


carefulness, Carelessness, 


See enterprise, haste and Guess 


Watchfulness, etc., and esp. 


Work. 


102:5. 


Sputtering — 


Strength — Physical. 


One form of Crossness. 


See Rest, health and vigor. 


Stability of Character — 


Strictness — 


It is the opposite of fickleness, 


Is Necessary; But Should Be 


and springs from insight and 


Tempered by Tenderness, 14:3, 


love of truth ; though often mar- 


and 7 and 79:1. 


red by haste and guess work. 


Strikes — How to Lessen Them. 


Sec insight, Truth, fickleness, 


Page 5 of Appendix. 


Plans, Guess Work, haste, etc. 


Struggles — 


Also see strength of character. 


See Difficulties, Perplexity, and 


Starting Right C:i 


Suffering. 


Starting Up the Ladder 48:2 


Stubbornness — See obstinacy. 


Statesmanship — ■ 


Studiousness [or Love of Study). 


See Leadership, Political Prob- 


Springs from hopefulness; and is 


lems, etc. 


increased by whatever makes 


Steadiness — 


life sweeter or more satisfying. 


K Ts, aimfulness, carefulness, 


It has two closely related, but 


faithfulness, Temperance, etc. 


very different forms: studying 
life and nature and studying 


Also unsteadiness and impulsive- 


books. Of these the first is 


ness. 


oftenest neglected. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Study Helps. Section 87 
Stupidity — A mixture of dullness 
and carelessness. 
See dullness and Carelessness. 
Style- 
One Way of Perfecting It 87:1 

Also see Thought, clearness, 
(98:2), fitness (47:6), etc., etc. 
Success. Section 88 

Suffering. • Section 89 

Suicide — See despair. 
Sulks — A rather silent fit of min- 
gled blues and crossness. 
See Discouragement, Crossness, 
blues, Rebuke, etc. 

SULLENNESS— 

K Ts, Crossness, hatred and ob- 
stinacy. 
Sunday. Section 84 

Sunshine — 

Sunshine and Patience 68:1 

Also see Cheerfulness. 
Superciliousness — 

See conceit, Selfishness and Pride. 
Superficialness — 

K Ts, ignorance and Guess Work. 
Supernatural — The Supernatural. 

See God; and esp. 40:2. 
Superstition — 

K Ts, Guess Work, ignorance 
and a blind reaching out after 
the unseen and the divine. — 
See Acts 17:22 and 3, where 
•'too superstitious" should be 
rendered "more God fearing 
than most." 
Sure — Being Sure. 

Importance of Being Sure 102:5 

Certainty How Far Attainable 43:1 
What to Do When You Are Not 

Sure a Thing Is Right 28:6 

Suspiciousness — 
Springs from fear, Guess Work, 
Selfishness, Exaggeration and 
lack of trust in God. 
See each of these. 

Swagger — A coarse form of boast- 
fulness. 
See conceit, Talking, etc. 



Swapping Work 48:4 

Swearing — See profanity. 
Sweetness — See affection. 
Sweet Temper — 

See Kindness and self-control. 
Swindling Others — 

See Dishonesty and .Selfishness. 
Sympathy. Section 90 

Syndicates — See corporations. 
System — 

K Ts, Plans, regularity, Study 
Helps, etc. 
Taciturnity— See 91 :i. 
To overcome it, love others more ; 
try to judge them more justly; 
and take more interest in what 
interests them. 
See Loving, Judging, Helping, 
Forgiving, Praying, Talking, 
Sympathy, Differences of Opin- 
ion, etc. 
Tact — Skill in convincing others 
and overcoming their prejudices. 
For K Ts, see Arguments, insight, 
Leadership, etc. 

Taking Care of Papa 0:35 

Talent — Intellectual Ability. 
See intellect and ability, and by 
contrast, see genius. 
Talkativeness — See Talking. 
Talking. Section 91 

Also see Children's Corner, 45 to 47. 

Taming a Quick Temper .92:1 

Tantalizing — ■ 
See longings and Disappoint- 
ments. 
Tariff- 
See protection,- revenue and re- 
ciprocity. 
Taste- 
See Love of Beauty Section 6 

Taxation — See tariff. 
Teachableness — 
How Far to Carry It; 1:1 and 39:2. 
Its opposites are conceit and 

wilfulness. 
Also see Example and love of 
truth. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



123 



Teaching — 
For K Ts, see Leadership, Study, 
Advice Giving, Helping and 
many others. 
Tears — See crying. 
Teasing — ■ 
How to Tell When It is Proper 

and When Not 62:1 

Causes: sometimes playful love, 
sometimes thoughtlessness, and 
sometimes Meanness and Sel- 
fishness. 
Telepathy — 

As a Cure for Loneliness 60:1 

As a Help in Curing Timidity — 
See timidity. 
Temper. Section 92 

Temperance. Section 93 

Temporizing — A cowardly putting 
off of ones duty, through fear 
of consequences. 
See 16:3 and evasion. 
Temptation. Section 94 

Tenacity — See persistency. 
Tenderness — 

In God's Dealings With Us 40:3 

In Parental Discipline .... 14:4 and 3 

With Discouraged People 26:1 

Also see Kindness, Sympathy 
and Love. 
Testimony — 

Testifying for God 40:7 

Acting on the Testimony of Oth- 
ers. — See belief. 
Thankfulness. Section 95 

Saying Thank You. . . . 42:1 and C:5o 
Theft — See stealing. 
Theism — 

Section 40 and esp. 40:2 
Theology — See God, Prayer, Life, 

Truth, Jesus, Duty, etc. 
Theory — 
Mere Theory Not a Safe Guide, 

28:2 and 3 
Needs Correcting and Complet- 
ing in Real Life 100:2 

Also see reasoning, logic, etc. 
Thievishness — See stealing. 
Things That Look Wise and Right; 

But Are Not 29:1 

Thinking— See Thought. 



Thinking of Others C :48 to 5 1 

Thin-Skinned — See sensitiveness. 
Thoroughness— See accuracy. 
Those Who Have Gone Before. . . 65:1 
Thought. Section 96 

Thoughtfulness — 
Thoughtful of the comfort of 
others. — See Kindness, Love, 
Sympathy, and also C:48 to 51. 
Thoughtful — Much given to 
Thought. See Thought. 
Thoughtlessness — 
A mixture of Carelessness, haste 
and Guess Work, with a little 
Selfishness. 
See each of these. 
Thrift — Knowing how to use ones 
time and property so as to make 
them richly productive of com- 
fort and true manhood and 
womanhood. 
See 67:1, 78:1, 71:2, 73:1, 74:1, 
10:1, 102:4, etc. 
Thriftlessness — Not knowing or 
caring to be thrifty. See thrift. 
Causes: a dull, confused, mental 

life. 
Cure: Close and willing contact 
with more wide-awake and well 
ordered minds. 
Tidiness — 

See neatness and orderliness. 
Time — See Time-Using. 

Timeliness in Help 47:6 

Timeliness in Our Choice of Work, 29:1 
Time Using. Section 97 

Timidity — 
We Should Not Let It Go Too 

Far 91:1 

Cure: (1) Choosing your thoughts 
and friends more carefully; (2) 
talking more freely to your 
friends when they are really 
near you and when they are 
near you only in imagination; 
and (3) thinking less of your- 
self. 
Also see fear, Thought, self-for- 
getfulness, etc. 



For Explanations See Page qi. 



124 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Tired- 




Traditions — See beliefs. 






Tired of Doing Right 


28:7 


Training — 






Tired of Loving 


61:6 


Training Children — See Chil- 






Bodily Tiredness See Rest 


dren. 






Also see Discouragement and 




Self-Training— See Watchful- 






blues. 




ness, Study, Thought and 






Tiresome — 




scores of others. 






See '-disagreeable" and "hard." 




Tramps (of the better sort) — 






Tobacco — See smoking. 




See Hints for Hard Times. 






Toleration — 




Translating What Others Say 


54 


8 


See Differences of Opinion. 
Tommy's Clothes 


C48 


Translating What We Ourselves 
Know into Words and Actions; 






Tommorow's Burdens 


9:3 


see Thought, Study, Day- 






Also see future. 




Dreams, Plans, etc. 






Tones — 




Treasure for Others 


8 


3 


The Tones.of Your Voice 


55:i 


Treating — 






Tongfue — Your Tonsrue 


9^3 
55 :I 


Mistaken Kindness 


55 


2 


Too Little Real Kindness 


Helping to Ruin Others 


93 


2 


Too Little Rest 102:1 and 82:1 


and 2 


Doing Wrong to Please a Friend 


39 


2 


Too Little Talk! 


..91:1 


Trials — See Suffering. 






Too Little Sleep — See sleepless- 




Trials — Judicial. 






ness and C:44. 




See jury laws, labor, bank- 






Too Many Must Be, Word Plans. . 


18:1 


ruptcy, etc. 






Too Much— 




Trickery — 






Too Much Advice 


91:2 
54:3 


See Selfishness and Dishonesty. 
Trifles — Things on which it will 






Too Much Criticising 




Too Much Guess Work, 




not pay to spend much time or 






43:1 and 2, and 40:2 


thought. But even trifles 






Too Much Love of Money 


10:1 


should be done right. 






Too Much Reading 


8:2 
motto 


For K Ts, see Little Things. 
Trifling — 






Too Much Thinking. . .96:1 and 




Too Much Talking 91:1 


and 2 


Trifling With Love — See flirting. 






Too Much Work 102:1 an 


d 97:1 


Trifling Away Our Time 


45 


6 


Too Much Anger 


3-- 1 
*5-*5 


Troubles — See Suffering. 
Trueness — - 






Too Much of a Good Thing! 




These and many others. 




Is Never in Vain. 


35 


2 


Total Abstinence — 




For K Ts, see goodness, insight, 






Reasons for 93:1 


and 2 


wisdom, etc. 






Touchiness— See sensitiveness. 




Trusting God- 






Toughness — A very rough, coarse 




Trusting Him Only Half. and 






form of selfishness, more notice- 




Half 


40 


8 


able than more polished forms 




Trusting Him in Times of Suf- 






of selfishness. But both alike 




fering, 89:2, 6, 8, etc. 






are contemptible and degrad- 




Trusting and Doing 


C:ii 


. 




How to Get More Trust 


40 


2 


mg. 
See Selfishness. 




Also see Godliness, distrust and 






Toys — 

Should be Simple and Plenty. . . 




and Prayer. 






14:1 


Trusts — Page 4 of Appendix. 






Tracy, C. C. — Quoted 


40:12 


Trustworthiness — : 






Trades — See Work. 




See faithfulness and honesty. 






Trades Unions — Page 4 of Appen- 




For opposites see Dishonesty, 






dix. 




Carelessness, etc. 







For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY 



[2 3 



Truth— Section 98 


For simply mental perplexity 




Truth Lovers — 




about God, see doubt. 




A Word of Cheer for 


98:7 


Unhappiness. Section 100 


Trying — Section 99 


Uniformity — See regularity. 




Two Fools Instead of One 


92:4 


Unjust Criticism- 




Ugliness — A very extreme form of 




See under -'Judging and Criticising." 


mingled crossness and deliber- 




Unkindness — 




ate selfishness. 




K Ts, Crossness, Temper, Gossip 




Needs the very strictest sort of 




and Excuses; thoughtlessness 




"love-guided punishment," as 




and Selfishness; and far too 




explained in 14:3; but, oh, 




often, Business and Criticism. 




don't leave out the love. 




For Unkind Jokes see 62:1. 




Also see Crossness, Selfishness, 




For Unkind Kindness see 55:2. 




Rebuke, etc. 




Unlucky — See luck. 




Unaccountable Crossness 


14:3 
28:1 


Unnecessaries — 

Unnecessary Burdens 

Unnecessary Criticism 




Unbearable Burdens 


28:12 
54:3 


Unbelief — 




See doubt and infidelity. 




Unnecessary Exhaustion. 


97:1 


Uncertainty — 




Unnecessary Fear of God 


40:6 


See Perplexity, doubt and cer- 




Unnecessary Fullness 


91:2 


tainty. 




Unnecessary Reading 


8:2 


Uncle John's Day Dreams 


20:1 


Unpleasant Duties — 




Uncongenial Surroundings and Work — 


How to Make Them Pleasanter, 




See Difficulties, Suffering, dis- 




28:12, lasl 


part 


agreeable, etc. 




Also see disagreeable. 




Unconscious Growth 


19:1 


Unprofitable Labor — 




Unconscious Imitation 


45:2 
35:2 


Unprofitable Readin°" 


8:2 


Unconscious Influence 


Unprofitable Thinking, 








Unconscious Nearness — See telepathy. 


96:motto and 96:1 


and 2 


Uneasiness — 




Also see Guess Work. 




See Restlessness, pain, etc. 




Unprofitable Talking .... 91 :3 and 54:3 


Unemployed — The Unemployed. 




Unprofitable Quickness 


78:1 


See Hints for Hard Times. 




Unprofitable Work; or Working 




Unfairness — See fairness. 




Hard But in Vain 43:1 


md 2 


Unfaithfulness — 




And Unprofitable Little Things, 


59:3 


See Carelessness, laziness, Sel- 




Unreasonable — Not even willing 




fishness, etc. 




to be fair ; and hence extreme- 




Unfavorable Surroundings- 




ly narrow and unjust. 




See Difficulties and Suffering. 




See fairness, Guess Work, con- 




Unfinished — 




ceit, errors, etc. 




Unfinished Work 24:1 anc 


71:1 


Its opposite is really trying to be 




Unfinished or Broken Thought. 


101:3 


fair and right, 28:13. 




Unfriendliness — 




Unreliability — 




See Selfishness, Crossness, Tem- 




Is due either to incompetence or 




per, etc. 




unfaithfulness; generally the 




Unfriendly Criticism 54:2 and 3 


latter. 




Ungodliness—^ persistent attempt 




See faithfulness. Carelessness, 




to ignore God and the law of 




Selfishness, etc. 




love of which God's life is so 




Unrest — See Restlessness. 




full and perfect an example. 




Unruly — 




For list of K Ts see 86:5. 




See willful and Selfish. 





For Explanations See Page 91. 



126 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Unsatisfied — See satisfied. 




Vigilance— See Watchfulness. 


Unselfishness — 




Vigor — 


Is Always Well Meaning; But 




See health and vitality. 


not Always Praiseworthy, 86:4 




Vindictiveness — See revenge. 


and 55:2. 




Virtues- 


Unselfishness in Business...... 


10:1 


See Doing Wrong. 


K Ts, Love and Helping. 




Also see sexual sins. 


Unsettled- 




Visionary — Indulging great hopes 


See Perplexity and Doubt. 




without good reasons for so 


Unsteadiness — 




doing. 


See Restlessness, Selfishness, 




See Guess Work, "Day Dreams 


Carelessness, intemperance, etc 




Misused," "Ideals Misused," etc. 


Unsuccessful — 




For its opposite see practical. 


See failure and Success. 




Vitality — The power to live and 


Unsympathetic — 




. endure. 


See Sympathy; and esp. 90:2. 




Great vitality is generally ac- 


Untimeliness — 




companied by good health, 


Untimely Advice 


47:6 


but not always. But good 


Untimely Criticism 54:2 


and 3 


health always increases it and 


Untimely Work 


102:5 


ill health always lessens it. 


Unwillingness to Forget 


37:i 


See health. 


Unwillingness to Really Try 


99:2 


Voice — 


Unwise — Wrong, though not in- 




Makes a Great Difference, 


tentionally so. 




55:1 and 90:1 


See '-well meant folly," and Guess 




Voting— Shall Women Vote? 


Work. 




Page 8 of Appendix. 


Also see Doing Right, Doing 




Vulgarity — A mixture of ignorance, 


Wrong, wisdom, etc. 




thotightlessness, self-assertion, 


Uppishness — 




and poor taste such as is often 


See Crossness and conceit. 




found among very thoughtless 


Usefulness — or Being Useful 




and ignorant people. 


Usefulness and Happiness, How 




But the word is often badly mis- 


Related, 61:5 and 45:8. 




applied to that which is sim- 


For full discussion see Love, 




ply unfashionable in manners, 


Helping Others, etc. 




Vagueness- 




language, etc. 
For K Ts, see ignorance, thought- 


Springs sometimes from ignor- 
ance and lack of insight; some- 




lessness, self-assertion, fashion, etc. 


times from aimlessness; and 




For its oppisite see refinement 
and taste. 
Wages — 

Poor Wages Better Than None. . 48:2 
Also see profit sharing and courts 


sometimes from insincerity 
and a wish to deceive. 
See insight, sincerity, aimless- 
ness, etc. 




Vanity — 

K Ts, conceit and Pride. 




of equity. 
Waiting — 


Vehemence — See excitement. 




Why Sometimes Necessary 101:2 


Venezuela Question 


72:3 


"Wait a Minute" C:59 


Versatility— See 71:1 and 2. 




Also see Postponing. 


Vexation — See annoyances. 




Wakefulness — See sleeplessness. 


Vice — 




Want— Extreme poverty: 


See sexual sins, intemperance, 




See |Poverty, Hints for Hard 


gluttony, etc. 




Times, and Suffering. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



127 



Warmth — 
See cordiality, earnestness, and 
Temper. 

Washing Dishes C:33 

Wastefulness — Using ones time, 
strength, property, or oppor- 
tunities in ways which even a 
little carefulness would show 
to be very unwise and unprof- 
itable. 
For K Ts, see Carelessness, lazi- 
ness, Discouragement, Guess 
Work, economy, etc. 



Watchfulness. 



Section 101 



Watching — See Watchfulness. 
Wavering — See irresolution. 
Ways of Learning — See learning. 
Weakness — 
God Makes Allowance for It. . . . 40:6 
He Is Also Always Willing to 

Help It 76:1 

God Knows It All, and I Am 

Glad He Does 40:11 and 28:4 

Also see Besetting Sins, Prayer, 

Discouragement, Guess Work, etc. 
For its opposite see "Strength of 
Character." 
Wealth — See Money. 
Weary — See tired. 

Weeds — Letting Them Grow 15:3 

Well Meant Folly— 29:9,28:14, 43:1, 
86:4, 106:2, etc. 
For remedy, study carefully 
29:1 and 28:3. 

What to Do When In Doubt 28:6 

Where to Begin 12:1 

Whims — Fickle and untrustworthy 
likes and dislikes in matters of 
taste, 
See fickleness, impulsiveness, etc. 
Whimsicalness — Being more or less 
the slave of whims. 
See whims. 

Its opposite is a well balanced 
character. 
Whining — 

K Ts, Crossness and fault-finding. 
Whipping — See punishment. 

Who Is He? 81:1 

Why?— 



There Are Times When We 

Should Not Ask Why 28: 1 1 

And There Are Times When 
Asking Why Is Profitable and 

Proper 87:3 

Wickedness — Love of doing wrong. 

See Doing Wrong, Selfishness, etc. 
Wi If ulness — A determination to 
have your own way, if possible, 
right or wrong. 
K Ts, conceit, haste and Guess 
Work (a large amount of each), 
also obstinacy, Unhappiness 
and some honest self-will. 
Its opposite is teachableness. 
Willingly — A willing act is one in 
which there is little or no strug- 
gling against what we consent 
to do. 

Doing Right Willingly 28:12 

Winning Others — 
See influence, Example, Help- 
ing, etc. 
Wisdom — The power to quickly see 
and do what is really right and 
best in matters that are rather 
rather perplexing. 
It can be acquired only by long 
and willing practice and prayer. 

How to Grow in Wisdom 61 4 

Wise and Unwise Ways of Show- 
ing Love 61 :3 

Choosing Wisely— See choosing. 
Wisdom and Happiness, How 

related, 45:8. 
Also see Doing Right, common 
sense, and Watchfulness. 
Wishes — 

Impatient Wishes 83:1, 2 and 3 

Mistaken Wishes 29:1 and 55:2 

Proper Wishes Improperly Work- 
ed Out 102:5 and 6 

Wishing, But Not Trying 99:2 

Also see Trying, longing, Hop- 
ing, Planning, Day-Dreams, etc. 
Wit — See fun. 
Wives — 
See Marriage, Home, and scores 
of other topics. 
Woman's Suffrage — 

Page 8 of Appendix. 



For Explanations See Page gi. 



128 



INDEX TO THE BETTER WAY. 



Words- 


Wretched — So poorly done or so 




Words Alone Not Enough 55:1 


badly misused or discouraged 




"Saying Words" 96:1 and 101 :3 


as to be almost worthless. 




Also see Thoughts and names. 


Its K T's are weakness; Careless- 




Wordiness — Beware of it, 


ness, Unhappiness, etc. 




91:1 and 2 and 1:3 


Its opposites are well done, well 




Word Proofs- 


"used, contented, etc. 




Are Sometimes Only a Hindrance, 


Writing — 




28:11 and 100:2 


Writing to Mother and Father. . 


49--5 


They are Not Deep as Knowledge, 58:3 


Writing Down Thoughts for 




Also see theory and Arguments. 


Practice and for Future Study, 




Work. Section 102 


87:1 


and 2 


Also see Children's Corner, 52 to 61. 


Writing Desk — Johnnie's 


C:20 


Working Hard But in Vain, 43:1 and 2 


Wrong — 




Worldliness — Simply trying to have 


How to Deal With Wrong Do- 




a good time and stand well so- 


ers 


79:1 


cially, without really caring 


Judging Wrong Doers Justly . . . 


54:5 


much for most of those around 


Wrong Things That Look Right . 


29:1 


you. It is one form of Selfish- 


Also see Doing Wrong and Bear- 




ness. 


ing Wrong. 




See Selfishness, Unhappiness, 


For its opposite see Doing Right. 




(45:6), Happiness, etc. 
Its opposite is true manliness. 


Yes and No 


28:3 
29:5 


Yesterday's Wrong Doing 


Worry — 


Yielding Natures — Too Yielding. 




Worry Explained 101 :i and 40:8 


Doing Wrong to Please a Friend, 


39:2 


How to Get More Trust in God. . 40:2 


Also see weakness, Guess Work, 




In Partnership With God 9:1 and 2 


Carelessness, cowardice, Be- 




Its opposite is Hopefulness. — 


setting Sins, etc. 




Also see Burden Bearing. 


Yielding to Temptation — 




Worship — 


See Doing Wrong and Tempta- 




See Godliness, Knowing Jesus, 


tion. 




Prayer, etc. 


Zeal- 




Worthlessness — So Called. 


Misdirected Zeal 101:1 and 9:1 


Only shows that you have before 


Also see .eagerness, enthusiasm, 




you a very sad, hard case of 


earnestness, etc. 




restlessness, recklessness and 






sin; but not a hopeless one. 






See Restlessness, Recklessness, 






Doing Wrong, etc. 







For Explanations See Page gi. 



THE BETTER WAY. 

February and March, 1896. Please Show to Your Friends. 

Exchanges, regular and occasional, always welcome. 



SHALL WE HAVE 



A NEW POLITICAL PARTY? 

THE NATIONAL PROTECTION PARTY, 



AND WHAT SHALL ITS PLATFORM BE? 



TOPICS DISCUSSED 



Bankruptcy Laws and Other Fail- 
ures, 5 
Civil Service Reform, 8 
Combinations ofL abor and Capital, 4 
Existing Parties, 2 
Foreign Relations, 8 
Our Jury Laws, 8 
Lynch Law, 8 
Profit Sharing, Compulsory, j 
Protective Tariff, Its Benefits and 
Abuses, 2 



Reciprocity or International Protec- 
tion, 
Revenue Taxes, National, 
The Right of Petition, 
Settlement of Labor Disputes, 
Silver and Gold, 
Temperance Laws, 
Woman s Suffrage, 
General Summary , 



EDITOR AND PUBLISHER, W. H. WHEELER, 
GRINNELL, IOWA. 



Price, 20 cents a year; 15 cents a dozen, and 75 cents a hundred. 

Entered at the Grinnell Post Office as second-class matter. 

Copyright, 1896. 



DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES. 

GENERAL SUMMARY AND INVITATION.-^elieving that 
many important issues are wholly overlooked by existing parties; 
that others they are trying to meet in most unwise and inadequate 
ways; that neither the rights of labor nor those of capital are prop- 
erly protected; that the risks of business are needlessly great; that 
the average wages of labor are too small; that the temptations to 
dishonesty in business are too great; that our protective tariff is too 
high at some points and too low at others; that our currency laws 
are defective; that our temperance laws should be more strictly en- 
forced; that jurymen are sometimes dishonest, and our jury laws de- 
fective; and that the right of petition is worthy of more honor than 
it now receives; and that lynch law should not so often go unpun- 
ished; we invite all who are in sympathy with us Lo join in pressing 
these issues, first in private life and later on at the polls; that under 
the lead of a true Protection Party the cause of right may advance 
more surely and more rapidly. For The Sooner Wrongs Are 
Faced and Righted, The Less It Costs. 

PROTECTIVE TARIFF.— We believe that for one part of a 
community to be idle, or very poorly paid, is a financial misfortune 
to every man in that community, either rich or poor, who as farmer, 
manufacturer, merchant, mechanic, day-laborer, or in any other ca- 
pacity is trying to earn an honest and comfortable living; for it les- 
sens the demand for every form of work which man or woman can 
do on a farm, in a work-shop or anywhere else, and thus sooner or 
later compels them to live less comfortably. 

Hence we believe in a protective tariff, so adjusted as to insure 
just wages and abundant employment to the people; but we also be- 
lieve that it should be so adjusted as to do this At The Least Pos- 
sible Cost to The People. For we are satisfied that all our pro- 
tective tariffs have been too high on some products and too low on 
others, thus causing great recklessness, waste and selfishness in some 
lines of production, while not properly protecting others which are 
equally or even more worthy of special encouragement; and often 
taking out of the pockets of the people ten dollars where one or two 
dollars taken more wisely and justly would have better protected 
American labor and capital, and given the government just as great a 
revenue. 



(3) 

REVENUE TAXES.— We believe in the taxation of manufac- 
tures for purposes of revenue; wherever and whenever such taxes 
can be economically collected and justly distributed. But we insist 
that such taxes should be put chiefly on luxuries, both imported and 
home made, (especially the former) and should ordinarily be much 
higher on luxuries used mostly by the rich than on luxuries used alike 
by all classes. And we further insist that our laws should in every 
case state whether a duty is meant for protection or simply for rev- 
enue; and that whenever a protective tariff and a revenue tax are 
both put on the same imported article the law should in every case 
clearly state just how much of the import duty is meant for protec- 
tion and how much for revenue; — and that whenever a revenue tax 
is put on any class of imported articles the same revenue tax should 
be put on all home manufactures of said article. 

RECIPROCITY. — We are also in favor of treaties of reciprocity, 
or international protection, when so adjusted as to increase the ex- 
ports of both countries, without injuring the protection needing in- 
dustries of either, or too heavily taxing either nation, either directly 
or indirectly, because of it. For by such treaties the prosperity of 
both countries is increased. 

PROFIT SHARING. — We believe that in any business enterprise 
in which several parties are engaged each one, employers and em- 
ployees alike, is first of all entitled to ordinary living wages, more or 
less according to the amount of skill, time, risk, etc., which each puts 
into the business; secondly, that the capital invested is also entitled 
to a profit and to insurance; thirdly, that .the employer, being the 
one who runs the most risks, is entitled to the highest wages, if the 
business proves successful; and should, except in the case of corpo- 
rations, be allowed to fix his own maximum wages and profits on cap- 
ital, so long as his claims are not preposterously high and are defi- 
nitely specified in a written or printed contract made with each em- 
ployee, and provided also ordinary living wages have first been paid 
to all his employees. 

But we believe that whenever there are any profits over and above 
wages, specified profit on capital and other necessary expenses, these 
should be divided yearly between all the wage receivers (employers 
and employees) in proportion to the total amount of wages received 
by each. But that uncollected debts, even if considered "good" 
should not be divided as profits, till they are actually collected. 



(4) 

COMBINATIONS OF LABOR AND CAPITAL —We believe 
that mechanics, farmers, manufacturers, miners, mine owners, rail- 
roads, business men and working men and women of every sort 
should, under certain restrictions, be allowed and encouraged by law 
to combine with others in related lines of work so as to lessen the 
risks of injustice and loss, help one another in times of embarrass- 
ment, introduce better methods of work, lessen cost of handling and 
marketing goods, and finally, with the help of government, devise 
some form of safe insurance for widows and old age. 

But what are some of these restrictions? First, that every such 
combination, whether of working men, ordinary business men or cor- 
porations, should have a special charter defining and limiting its 
privileges, which charter may be cancelled or materially altered by a 
court of equity in case the combine violates any of its pledges, — the 
suit to be brought at public cost, if the legislature or a sufficient num- 
ber of interested citizens demand it. 

Secondly, that all the books, papers and transactions of every com- 
bination of working men, ordinary business men or corporations, 
which is held together by business ties, should be open to the courts 
and to the inspection at any time of some properly designated gov- 
ernment inspector, every member and officer of the combine being 
obliged under penalty to answer correctly and fully all questions re- 
garding the business of the combine which may" be asked by a prop- 
erly authorized court, or by the government inspector. 

Thirdly, every such combination should be compelled by law to 
make a full yearly statement to the government of the real value of 
its capital and plant, of the amount of watered stock, wage account 
and other expenses and expenditures. Also of profits and the dis- 
posal made of them. 

Fourthly, all future watering of stocks should at once be forbidden 
by law and it should be enacted that the total present value of the 
watered stock of any company shall be divided into thirty parts, one 
part to be thrown out each year so that after thirty years no corpor- 
ation or company may claim or take profits except on the real value 
of its plant and the money capital actually used. 

Fifthly, all corporations should be bound by their charters to pay 
their employees equitable wages and to profit sharing, as elsewhere 
described, save that, in return for the special privileges given them, 
each corporation should be limited by its charter to some definite 
maximum of wages which may not be exceeded in the wages of any 
employer and also a maximum rate of interest which may not be 



(5) 

exceeded in taking, first, profits and, second, insurance on the capital 
invested. 

Furthermore, every combine, whether of working men, ordinary 
business men or corporations, should also be bound by its charter 
not to try in any way to corner the market or refuse to produce or 
sell at a reasonable profit, (to be determined, in case of dispute, by a 
court of equity,) and not to try to injure or take away the business 
of any outside individual or company by special rates, or discounts 
or privileges or prices less or more than those customary where there 
is no such special competition or lack of competition; and finally a 
promise to deal justly with the lesser members of their own combine 
and also a promise that whenever any member of the combine fails 
or becomes embarrassed in business the combine shall undertake to 
help in disposing of his tools, machinery and uninjured stock at as 
near their real value as possible, only minus cost of handling. 

SETTLEMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES.— We believe that our 
existing courts, acting as courts of equity, or else special courts 
created for the purpose, should be allowed to take a much wider cog- 
nizance than they now do of disputes between employers and em- 
ployees, between different classes of working men, between business 
men, between corporations and corporations and between corpora- 
tions and individuals, and that all such disagreements which the par- 
ties fail in settling peaceably and satisfactorily among themselves or 
by private arbitration should be decided by the courts, subject only 
to appeal to a higher court. 

OUR BANKRUPTCY LAWS; AND OTHER FAILURES IN 
BUSINESS. — We believe that our bankruptcy laws should be so al- 
tered as to more surely detect and punish dishonesty; and that while 
protecting all true bankrupts against constant lawsuits by creditors, 
we should also have state and county bankruptcy commissioners with 
authority to watch all bankrupts and later on, if best, compel them 
to very gradually pay a part or all of their old debts; save that no 
bankrupt should be compelled to pay more than a very small percent 
per year of his net profits, the maximum per cent to be determined 
by state or national law. 

Secondly, we believe that all failures in business which result in 
loss to creditors or in a forced sale of the property of a stock com- 
pany should be legally investigated, the necessary costs to be divided 
proportionately between all the creditors and stock holders. 



(6) 

And, thirdly, that our mortgage laws can and should be so altered 
as to prevent so much reckless borrowing of money and at the same 
time protect the owners of mortgaged property against the risks of 
losing so largely and so needlessly as they often do now.. 

SILVER AND GOLD.— We believe that the dollar, though nom- 
inally and legally so much gold, really represents to most minds only 
a certain amount of work and the just rewards of that work; that its 
value at any given time can be best shown by stating how much of 
A's time it represents, how much of B's, how much of C's, how many 
pounds of flour, how many yards of a certain kind of cotton cloth, 
and so on, almost ad infinitum; and that the average of all these 
values is what most nearly represents the value of a dollar at any 
given time. 

Furthermore we believe that this value inevitably varies some from 
time to time, giving to Every Man, rich or poor, more for a dollars 
worth of work or in profits on a well invested dollar j,n times of plenty 
than it gives him in times of scarcity ; And That This Is As It Should 
Be. 

We believe then that it is a great mistake for government to try to 
"fix" its value by law; and that silver and gold, though necessary 
"mediums of exchange" are in no way suited to, once for all, measure 
the value of a dollar; and that any attempt to tie the value of the dol- 
lar once for all to just so much silver or gold only does great injustice 
to thousands; and gives to a very few speculators, fools, rascals and 
blunderers a chance to easily disturb the money markets of the whole 
country, causing constant uncertainty and many useless and disas- 
trous fluctuations of wages and prices. 

We believe then that in all its larger coins the government should 
simply certify to the purity and weight of the coins without any at- 
tempt to fix their value; save that as a matter of public convenience 
and for further protection against dishonesty it should announce at 
regular intervals all over the country what their value is at current 
wholesale market places for bullion, the coins to be legal tender at 
this market price. 

For smaller currency, from one to ten dollars in value we favor 
"convenience money" as follows: one dollar bills, two dollar bills, 
five dollar bills and ten dollar bills, all properly secured by the gov- 
ernment-and redeemable in either gold or silver At Market Prices 
of gold and silver; also silver and gold dollars and gold five and ten 
dollar pieces, each containing nearly its full value of coin (at current 



(7) 

market prices of coin) but enough below its face value to show that 
it is not meant to be an exact measure of the value of a dollar, or of 
five dollars or ten dollars, but is simply redeemable for that amount 
of silver or gold, at market prices, i-f taken to the United States treas- 
ury. 

We also favor paper "convenience money" of the values twenty 
dollars, fifty dollars, etc., if properly secured, and redeemable at mar- 
ket price of bullion (as above); for such money would only be a prop- 
erly certified check, in no way changing the value of a dollar. 

We also believe that anyone, at any time, should be free to present 
either silver or gold at the mint for coinage into "weight coins" or 
"convenience coins" but that the seigniorage should in every case be 
kept by the government as a permanent deposit for redeeming "con- 
venience coins" at their full face value in bullion and worn "weight 
coins" at their full weight in bullion. 

That all speculative dealings in either gold or silver should be for- 
bidden, no one being allowed to purchase either gold or silver in 
larger quantities than is needed for actual use in manufacturing, coin- 
age or general trade. 

That all outstanding silver and gold dollars should be gradually 
withdrawn from circulation, to be replaced by the new coinage; but 
that they should be legal tender to the very last day. 

And finally, we declare our belief that bimetallism, substantially ( 
as here outlined, is sure to triumph not only in the United States but 
also all over the civilized world; and that the occasional small loss 
to the owners of the larger "weight coins" which this method involves, 
just as men now sometimes lose on cotton, corn and iron, is nothing 
when compared with the. almost universal disturbance of prices and 
wages, and the injustice to thousands and millions of people which 
the present method involves. For our actual coin money is and al- 
ways must be a very small fraction when compared with the other 
mediums of exchange, (notes, checks, drafts, stocks, bonds, day's 
wages, salaries, etc.) all of which are now unjustly changed in value 
and put at the mercy of a very few speculators and fools, because of 
their values being tied with so short a halter to the value of silver or 
gold. 

OUR TEMPERANCE LAWS.— We believe that the liquor traffic in our midst 
is a great evil, and that the homes of our country should be better protected against 
it by a more strict enforcement of the laws regulating it and of all laws holding 
liquor dealers and their accomplices responsible for the consequences of their traf- 
fic. But we also believe that neither prohibition, local option, high license, low 



(8) 

license or mulct can ever accomplish much more till our jury laws are so altered 
as to make it impossible for one or two men on a jury to make a farce of almost 
every temperance law on our law books. For on almost every jury there are sure 
to be one or two secret, but sworn enemies of temperance. 

OUR JURY LAWS.— We believe that our general jury laws should also be al- 
tered so that in some classes of cases a verdict given by nine jurymen out of twelve 
may convict or acquit, in others a verdict given by ten, and in others a verdict 
given by eleven. For in even the most carefully selected jury there often will be 
some secret but sworn enemies of law and justice. 

THE RIGHT OF PETITION.— We believe that the right of petition is one 
which ought more and more to be encouraged, and that, whenever a proper num- 
ber of voters publicly request it at least one month before election, petitions and 
protests should be printed at public cost and a copy furnished each voter on any 
regular election day, that by signing it Yes or No, or depositing it blank, he may in- 
dicate his preferences or lack of preference as a citizen. 

And while in no way objecting to open petitions, as now commonly circulated, 
we believe that no such petition should be accepted as of any legal value, unless 
confirmed by a similar petition at the polls. 

WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE,— We rejoice in the greater fullnes with which the 
rights of women are being recognized by our laws and believe that, if women as a 
class really desire it, the rights of general suffrage should be accorded them. 

LYNCH LAW. — We protest against the utter folly and crime of lynch law in a 
country where better methods of punishing crime are available, and, believing that 
its increase will undermine the very foundations of a free government, we believe 
that the federal government should in accordance with the sixth amendment to the 
Constitution intervene to check and punish snch outbreaks, whenever state author- 
ities prove indifferent. 

CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.— We believe heartily in civil service reform and 
rejoice in its triumphs thus far. And especially do we believe that nearly all 
the lesser employees of government should be appointed for a period of at least 
ten years, subject only to dismissal for sworn neglect of duty or incompetence, 
properly and publicly substantiated by non-partisan witnesses. 

We also believe that many of the higher offices of government where expert 
knowledge is required should be subject to civil service examination tests of some 
sort and that here also the appointment should be for at least ten years, or good 
behavior, whenever the work to be done is of a routine sort not likely to be much 
affected by a man's political opinions. 

OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.— We believe that it is our right and duty to 
protect the liberty of American states against foreign interference; and that thus 
only can we properly secure our own future liberties; but that we should solemnly 
bind ourselves to also respect these same liberties; by pledging ourselves at the 
earliest possible date to never forcibly deprive any American state of even a single 
inch of its territory. Otherwise Europe will justly suspect us of insincerity; and 
some day our "Monroe Doctrine" will prove a curse to us, for even truth can be 
perverted into error. — And we believe that even in the old world we should not 
hesitate to help in forcibly checking wrong, when it becomes too flagrant; unless 
there is good reason to doubt our ability to do it successfully. 



